Rita Gill (neé Dalton)

Our dear Rita passed away with family by her side on July 15, 2023, at St. Paul’s Hospital. Born and raised on St. Paul’s Road, Middlesbrough, England, Rita was the 6th child of Jack and Sarah Dalton. She attended Hugh Bell School for Girls from 1958-1962, and in the late ‘60s began training to be a nurse. After a year she decided to spread her wings and move to Canada. She first lived with sister Sheila in Toronto but ultimately landed in Vancouver where she worked as a legal secretary, forging tight bonds within the community. Rita became a Canadian citizen in 1977 and continued to enjoy all that Canadian life had to offer. She loved to visit family in England and would stay with brother Ken and his wife Betty. She liked nothing better than a big family gathering and was in her element if there were babies or small children about.

Rita married Stephen in 1984 and they had 39 years rich with adventure, skiing Whistler, boating coastal waters, golfing, and traveling the world. Rita was a talented golfer and was co-captain of the Vancouver Golf Club Ladies’ Team for 3 years. Rita loved to gather friends and family together and possessed a skill and passion for food and entertaining, holding many famous Game Dinners, highlighting the bounty brought home by Stephen from the wilds of British Columbia. She loved the companionship of the family dogs and always had a special place in her heart for Candy, Penny, Brewster, Lucy, and Daisy.

Rita is predeceased by siblings Sheila, Jack, Ken, Sylvia, and Joseph. She is survived by husband Stephen, stepchildren Maureen (Craig) and Patrick (Deb), and grandchildren Samantha, Owen, Lizzie, Sydney, and Daniel.” She is survived by brother Peter (Wendy), and many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family in England. Rita was beloved by all who knew her and will always be in our thoughts.

Please share your fond memories and offerings of condolence at www.mem.com. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 6th at the Vancouver Golf Club at 1:00 PM.