Glace Bay, NS July 16, 1945 - February 10, 2021 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rita Saccary, 75, on Wednesday, February 10 at Harbourstone Advanced Care in Sydney. She was the daughter of the late John and Margaret (Allison) Hardy. Born in Glace Bay on July 16, 1945, she married her childhood sweetheart, Cecil Saccary on September 15, 1964. Rita worked in the shoe business for 53 years, starting as a sales clerk with Agnew Surpass in Glace Bay, working her way to store manager, and going on to manage the Glace Bay Shoe Store. Her friendly ways, gentle wit and expert shoe fitting brought her many repeat customers and visitors at the store, and turned most of them into friends. Generations of people in Glace Bay enjoyed her company and her kindness, and a trip to Commercial St was often incomplete without visiting Rita at the shoe store. Rita was truly loved by all who met her and her hugs were legendary. She talked to everyone but talked about no-one. Time with her grandkids was treasured, giving the best neck and shoulder rubs ever, and making fabulous blueberry pies. On Sunday afternoons, Rita enjoyed going for drives throughout Cape Breton with Cecil, often with stops for ice cream and walks on the beach. She was a classy dresser, with a keen fashion sense. Rita is survived by loving husband Cecil; children Jacqueline (John) Cook, Raynardton, NS and Cecil (Pam), Gander, NL; grandchildren Kelsie, Lindsay, Aidan and Kiera; brother Jackie (Norma) Hardy, Glace Bay; sister Harriet (Billy) Campbell, Gardiner Mines; sisters-in-law Mary Catherine Kelly, Glace Bay; Dollena (Kevin) Mackie, Glace Bay; Annette Saccary, Ontario; brother-in-law Kevin (Lorraine) Saccary, Port Morien; and lifelong close friends Joe & Carol Kanary. Special thanks from the family to all the staff of MacDougall Court, Harbourstone Advanced Care. Your kindness and care during Rita’s last days was a huge comfort. Visitation for Rita will be from 4-8 pm, Friday, February 12 at Patten Funeral Home in Glace Bay. A funeral mass will be held for Rita on Saturday, February 13, 10 am, at St. Anne’s Church, Glace Bay. Internment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.
