Remembering Rita
Edmonton Memorial Service
Saturday October 21, 2023
2:00 – 5:00 PM
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
11762 106 Street NW
Edmonton Alberta T5G 3H6
Nest Eatery, Building “S” Activities Centre, Room 110
January 22, 1957 ~ September 9, 2023
Rita Cain was born in Ottawa. She grew up in Oshawa in a lakeside cabin on the shores of Ontario. Growing up she loved to be outside, always active and making friends. Her love of music and dance started young, she played records, bought 45’s and plugged the jukebox. At an early age as well her love of animals began. She always had dogs and never was without a pet, which in her mind was way more than that.
She attended grade school with now lifelong friends: Irene, Janine, Karen and Rosy. She graduated from Marvel Beauty School in 1978 and began working at Country Cut ’N ’Curl where she continued to make life long friends. She opened her own salon, The Gate House, until she sold it to Sue, another life long friend. She then ventured into another business, buying a Molly Maid franchise.
Rita then journeyed to Fort McMurray, Alberta where she spent many years in various roles before moving to Edmonton. Never afraid to take on a challenge, she worked in many places but her most memorable is NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology). Making many new long-time friends like Aileen, Denise, Al, Jen, Kerry and Lynn. Rita touched the hearts of many of the students as well as the faculty. She met many interesting people and did some travelling to places like Europe on a bike trip. Her love of music made her an avid concert goer and the first to volunteer at Cabaret night. She took a position in an oil company which lead to her next move to Manitoba.
Once again, she set out to various jobs and then purchased Bear Country Cottages with a partner. As Rita always did, she was very involved in the community. She made friends easily and danced her way into more people’s hearts by even being a DJ at the East Beaches Social Scene. The friends at the cabins, Belair, and the church were a huge part of Rita’s life.
Unfortunately, Rita discovered a lump on her right breast in 2018. She underwent surgery and radiation treatment and fought the cancer battle for five years. Jim was there for Rita daily, they walked, talked and he posed as her brother in order to assist better at hospital and appointments.
Rita became a vegetarian after seeing a trailer full of animals on the highway. She was disturbed by the inhumane treatment and gave up eating meat. If anyone wishes to make a donation in Rita’s honor, please consider your local Animal Shelter.
Rita will be missed by everyone that has ever had the privilege of knowing her. She was a faith filled person and grateful for all she experienced in her life, she was never without companionship from people, animals or God.
Cremation has taken place and service details are pending.
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Donna & Al Morrison
Goodbye lovely Rita. You will always be our “Candy Girl” and we cherish our memories of all the great fun at NAIT.
Our condolences to your family and your huge network of friends. We know there are people all over the country who are thinking of you today.
Lots of Love
Donna & Al Morrison
Dianna and Rob Paton
Rest in Peace lovely lady! You were always such a joy to work with during our time at NAIT. I will always be so grateful to you and Denise for grabbing me from my office years ago to take me to our animal health department to introduce me to a beautiful little puppy in need of a home as you both knew how much I loved dogs. It was love at first sight and I took him home that day and Teddy blessed our life for 15 years. Many thanks! You will be greatly missed and my condolences to your family and friends.
Mary McAuley
Dear Rita
We won’t cry because your life is over but smile because it happened and we were fortunate enough to be a part of it.
I’m sure you were lovingly greeted at the Rainbow Bridge. Godspeed.
Mary Catherine
Kerry Nolan
Good bye dear friend I will always cherish the times we had together. The world will be a bleaker place without your infectious smile. Like so many others I refuse to mourn your passing but will instead celebrate your most astonishing life.
Cathie Hamm
We will miss your beautiful energy and smile at Bear Country, Rita! We feel so blessed to have had you in our lives. You were a true inspiration! We hope you are now dancing freely to all of your favorite songs!
Cathie & Joey
Douglas Robutka
My condolences to the family. Your smile, your sense of humor, never a mean word always happy thoughts and cozy homes. You will be missed. I shall sign off with the name you always called me. Rest in Peace Love. Doug The Human
Jodi Howick
My sincere condolences to Rita’s family. I’m saddened to hear of her passing and will truly cherish the memories of the great times we spent together at NAIT.
John Book
What can be said? You were amazing Rita. I will think about you everyday. It is a priveledge to have met and known You.
Diane Deboo
We met when you were 9 and I was 17 and somehow developed a bond that endured through the years in Oshawa and after you moved to Fort McMurray and I moved to Sarnia. We laughed and cried together and shared the deep secrets of our souls. It was so wonderfully precious! And I’m so glad that wherever you were, you developed such strong and abiding friendships. I know where you are now, dear friend, and when I get there perhaps, if it’s possible, we can crank up the old record player and belt out those Gorden Lightfoot tunes just like the days of old!! Love you forever!
Ashley Stevenson
Rest in peace Rita, such a beautiful woman inside and out. I’ve always looked up to her!
My condolences to her friends and family I know there is a huge hole in your lives without her in it.
Xoxox
Ashley
Sue
Rita was my best friend.. she was the only person in this world that knew me inside out. And she still loved me.
I met her at kountry Kut n kurl in oshawa. She was 19 I was 18. Instant bond and respect.
She was always looking out for others, always looking for a good dance partner and the best DJ ever.
Everyone knew they could count on her. She was always worried about everyone accept herself.
I’m not sure how life will be without her input. She was a very giving and loving human.. I will never stop missing her. Love you forever Rita
Maggie
Dearest Rita… rest in peace. Sincere condolences to friends and family
Anne
My little Laker Lovely, I will miss you terrible & was so looking forward to you coming home to Oshawa for a visit in the future. God speed Rita, rest easy!
Joanne Anderson
“Dearest Laker Sister” Rita, you were such a special friend, you were a joy to all! Rita, you brought much sunshine into your Laker Sisters lives whenever we could get together. I will miss you at our Lakeview Park gatherings. Rita, your spirit will soar high, may you have eternal rest and peace, never to be forgotten by your “Laker Sisters” , Jo
Linda
If only I knew that your life would end so soon, Rita. I feel such shock and sadness.
I cherish the sweetness and kindness that was so you; truly an inspiration for all of us. You will always have a special place in my heart and, like your love of music; the memories will keep playing. RIP, my dear friend.
Catherine
Rita you’re loved n missed by many. I have specail memories of the time together. Run be free my friend ♥️
Catherine & David
Holly Carter
Oh my sweet sweet Ritakins. Can hardly believe you are gone. The girl with the big beautiful heart & soul. A bright light has gone out in this world and your absence will be felt by all who were blessed with knowing you. Rest in Peace little Laker. I will miss you. Deepest condolences to family and friends.
Monique
My deepest sympathies..
Rita was always so kind to me.
Felt like a friend right away.
I’ll miss her.
Patricia
Dear Rita, You have taken a piece of me with you, so we will continue to be friends forever. I am so glad to have shared your beautiful life ❤️.
Cindy Harvey
I grew up with Rita and lucky to have visited with her 10 or more years ago. Will miss her so.
Mick Beale
Rita was terrific. She made things happen and was always a great listener when you needed one. When I moved to Edmonton, over 25 years ago, she really helped me get settled and find my way (and myself) a few times when I was lost. She gave so much to us students who she was stuck working with every year. I hope she knew how much we all loved her.