Rita Mary Edwards

Remembering Rita - the most amazing wife, mom, and friend anyone could ask for who's focus in life was how she could help others. On February 15th Rita peacefully ended her 6+ year fight with stage 4 cancer with family and friends at her side. She was married to Ron for over 52 years and shared so many special memories and always supported one another through thick and thin.

Rita was born and raised in Victoria and graduated from Vancouver Art School (Emily Carr) in 1963. After working in the displays department at Woodwards and then becoming a graphic designer, she settled into her lifelong passion and love for teaching various forms of art. She taught for many years at Camosun College before opening her home studio in Gordon Head where she taught for 30+ years and over 4,000 students during her career.

Rita took on Mark’s friends as her own son’s or daughter’s with unconditional support and love and she enjoyed entertaining and having guests over to share and make memories. Everything was so well thought out, from the delicious home made food being served to the amazing centre pieces she would create for each of these wonderful occasions. Rita and Ron always opened up their home and made you feel special and loved. Every Christmas event she would put so much effort into the handmade food and gifts she would make from scratch over the year.

For those that knew or met her, you wouldn't ever forget her – can’t wasn’t in her vocabulary. She was caring, dedicated, hard working, ass-kicking, determined, loving, cheerful, teaching, and kind. A graphic designer, clothing designer, artist of every medium, chief cook, illustrator, cancer society volunteer, floral arranger, and most important to her - art instructor for over 40 years.

Rita was always there for so many people - whatever support they needed whether it be emotional, school, work, relationships, you’d always have her ear (followed by a good ass kicking to “get moving!” on whatever we decided should be the outcome).

Thank you to all our friends and family for their continual support through such a long and painful process. Sincere thanks to everyone at the Cancer Society and Victoria Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion they've provided my family and mom which was above and beyond - you are an amazing group of people!

A celebration of life will be held Friday, March 3rd at 3pm at the Beach House Restaurant in Cordova Bay.