Rita Catherine Favel

First and foremost, on behalf of the members of the Cenacle of Marian Movement of Priests, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Derek and family; Judy, Marcel and family; Rhonda, Leonard and family; and Stacey, Lucas and family; sisters Gladys and family, and Mary-Jane; and brother Francis.

The late Rita Catherine Favel was born on Poundmaker Reserve on April 4, 1943 and passed away on September 22, 2010. She was the fifth child out of nine children born to Virginie and Arthur Favel. Rita attended the Poundmaker Day School and later attended the Assumpta Academy in North Battleford. Rita was very ambitious. After high school she worked as a laboratory assistant technician at a hospital in Fort Saskatchewan. Later on she worked at the Indian Hospital in North Battleford. When the hospital closed she pursued a course at the Reeves Business College in Lloydminster. She also worked at the Department of Indian Affairs in North Battleford as well as with the Department of Natural Resources for two years. Following that she worked as the Titles Researcher in the Battlefords Land Titles Office for 34 years. Following her retirement in May of 2002 Rita worked for some time at Nutters where she was able again to serve the public at large.

Rita was blessed with four loving children – one son and three daughters, 16 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. She loved and lived for her family. All of her life, Rita was very independent and worked very hard. She wore many hats in her life and never complained of anything.

In 1986 Rita was diagnosed with cancer which devastated her. But instead of self pity she resolved to challenge and battle for survival against the disease. She was in remission until five years ago when it was diagnosed that the cancer had spread to her liver. During these past few years Rita endured all the pains and sufferings in silence and prayer and acceptance to do His Holy Will. She also demonstrated her implicit trust in God. What a beautiful example she had set for her family and everyone who knew her.

Rita was known by many people as the “lovely lady” as well as her caring gestures of love and kindness. She informed me on more than one occasion that she never ever felt rejected living the various communities during her life. The reason for this was that she would greet people with her smile and give them a hug.

At this point in time I would like to present a tribute to Rita. The mosaic of culture blended beautifully with the fabric of Rita’s life, a life of love and dedication to her family. One of her daughters revealed that since her childhood her mother had shown in herself as being the most loving, most caring, protective, and forgiving mother – values that she still holds dear.

Rita had requested, however, that I convey a special message to her family. It was a message of love and a message of forgiveness. She requested that they continue to love each other and forgive shortcomings amongst the family members.

Rita also reached out to the various members of the communities in which she lived. She was willing to give a helping hand whenever help was needed. She had lived her faith to the fullest.

My last visit with Rita was on Tuesday, September 21, 2010. I found her to be very much at peace and alert. When I asked her how she was feeling, her reply was “I’m hanging in.” Her sense of humor still prevailed. We found much solace in our belief in the communion of saints. The lines of communication are still open after we pass on.

Rita will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her. She has left an indelible mark on the communities of the Battlefords and surrounding areas. She will be fondly remembered. While we mourn the loss of a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and a dear friend, yet we are gathered here to celebrate the life of the late Rita Favel, God’s great gift to us.

In conclusion, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the late Rita’s family for giving me the opportunity to present this eulogy on their behalf.

A Traditional Wake for Rita took place on Thursday, September 23 at the Poundmaker Veteran’s Hall, Poundmaker Cree Nation, SK. The Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, September 25 at Notre Dame de Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, North Battleford, SK with Reverend Father Gerard Legaspi as Celebrant. Interment took place at Town of Battleford Cemetery. Condolences for the family can be left at www.wilsonandzehner.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nicole Welford of Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home.