Rita Eileen Barrett

September 16, 1948 to October 19, 2021

Rita, a beloved wife, mother, sister and grandmother crossed over the rainbow bridge after a long and courageous fight with cancer. She will be sadly missed and forever remembered by her husband Morley, her sons Luke (Sharla), Desmond (Susan) and Greg Nolan (Jenna) and stepsons Bryce (Treena), Gordon (Ana), David (Wendy) and Forrest (Sandra) Barrett; brother Bill (Wanda) Glover; and thirteen grandchildren Aquin, Cooper, Sawyer, Denver, David, Santiago, Joaquin, Hudson, Teigen, Gideon, Taylor, Matthew and Kailana.

Rita was born and raised in Tofield, AB before living for a number of years in Vegreville, Spruce Grove, Rocky Mountain House and most recently Stony Plain. Outside the home, Rita enjoyed secretarial, library and school support work. She was a high energy active and ambitious lady who was devoted to her family and was a dedicated mother and advocate for her adult sons and their families. Travelling with her husband, Rita was able to see, explore and learn about many people and cultures throughout the world including North and South America, Europe, Africa, China, the Middle East and Australia. She always felt privileged and thankful for being a Canadian and home was her happy place.

Rita’s passion, particularly in the past 25 years has been quilting and she would spend countless hours engrossed in her craft in her sewing loft while looking for wildlife in the yard and enjoying the view over the Clearwater River. She wanted every creation to be uniquely hers in some fashion be it in design, colour or character. Her quilting group was composed of highly accomplished sewers who also formed the nucleus of her best friends. If you have a loved one in heaven who likes to sew or quilt I hope they look Rita up.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the skilled surgeons and ENT staff at the University of Alberta Hospital and the kind and supportive home care staff in Rocky Mountain House and Stony Plain. The Stony Plain Hospital staff kindly and professionally guided Rita through her final days on earth.

Rita’s life will be celebrated as she wished, by a private family gathering where all the boys and their families can come together to enjoy each other and honour her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ParklandFuneralServices.com for the Barrett family.