BROWNE, Rita Louise (nee GILBERT) February 9, 1925 - May 7, 2021 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Louise Browne in her 97th year. Just one week after the loss of her beloved husband of 70 years, Dr. Alfred Francis Browne (Frank). Rita passed away peacefully at her home in North York surrounded by the love of her family. Rita, beloved wife of the late Frank. Loving mother to Paul, Peter, Catherine (Peter), Patrick (Elizabeth), Teresa (Jim). Predeceased by son Michael and daughter Margaret. Adoring grandmother to Heidi, Jennifer, Andrew, James, Kristen, Courtney, Caitlin, Meaghan, Beverley, Michael, Jacqueline and Emma. Predeceased by Jonathan. Rita will be greatly missed by all of her great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Rita was the last surviving child of the late Catherine Louise (nee Flood) and Gordon F. Gilbert. Predeceased by Margaret Murphy, Francis Gilbert and Lorraine McCahery. She is survived by sister in law Rita Gilbert. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. Rita attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School followed by Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School. Times were tough for the family as they lived through the Second World War. Rita would often speak about the hardships endured by every Canadian at the time. Family was everything to Rita and she loved to share stories about the summers she spent on her uncle Joe's farm with her siblings and the Guiry and Flood cousins in Peterborough. It is here she learned the importance of family, charity and hard work. She carried these qualities all throughout her life. Rita had a successful career with London Life Insurance where she made many life long friendships. Rita and her husband Frank were married in 1951 at Blessed Sacrament Church. Together they raised seven children. Rita had a passion for art and music. These were hobbies she was able to partake in, in addition to being a full time mother and grandmother. She made sure each of her children and grandchildren had a picture she had created. In addition to playing the piano and organ, Rita was an avid choir member and took such pride in being able to perform every Sunday at her local Parish Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as Precious Blood Catholic Church. Rita and her husband Frank loved Ballroom Dancing and took part in competitions over the years, winning many awards. They also loved travelling together and looked forward to their annual trips to Florida and the cottage. The family would like to say a special thank you to all the caregivers who provided ongoing care and support and treated Rita and Frank like their own family. May Rita join Frank and family into the arms of Jesus our Savior.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Serra Club of Toronto and Right to Life Canada would be appreciated by the family.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, in-person Visitation will be private by invitation only. A virtual Visitation will be broadcasted via live link on Wednesday May 19, 2021 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. For those who wish to attend virtually For those who wish to attend virtually please visit the following link https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/30007
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Funeral Mass will be private by invitation only. The Funeral Mass will be broadcasted via live link on Thursday May 20, 2021 at 10 a.m. For those who wish to attend virtually please visit the following link. https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/30008.
Due To COVID - 19 The Interment will be private by invitation only. The Interment will be broadcasted via live link on May 20, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. For those who wish to attend virtually please visit the following link. https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/30009
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