Stegeman, Hendrika (Rita) Alida
A kind and gentle soul passed away peacefully on May 3, 2018, at the age of 87. Rita is survived by her children John (Mary), Joyce Barnes (Dick), Ingrid McFarlane (Rob), her beloved grandchildren Jennifer (Dave), David (Whitney), Craig (Marielle), Brian and Krystine, and great-grandchild, Julia. Predeceased by her parents, Sijmen and Johanna Veldkamp, brother, Hans, and husband, Jan (2000). She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her. Rita was born in Zwolle, The Netherlands, immigrated with Jan in 1952 to Canada and learned how to speak English by watching television. She was an excellent knitter and sewer, loved cross-stitching and tackling crossword puzzles, sang beautifully, amassed a 200+ collection of classical music CDs, volunteered at many organizations, always wore stylish eyeglasses, and enjoyed working as an admitting clerk at the Sarnia General Hospital ER. She was so proud of getting her driver’s license at the age of 62 and rarely made a left-hand turn. She made the best minestrone soup and chocolate hail sandwiches in town. She was an active member of St. Giles Presbyterian Church for nearly 55 years. A special thank you to Vision Nursing Home 3rd floor staff who took excellent care of Rita for 7 years while she lived with the challenges of advanced glaucoma and Parkinson’s Disease with grace and determination. Friends will be received at the McCormack Funeral Home - Stewart Chapel, 254 George Street (at College Avenue) on Monday July 16 for a Memorial Service at 1 pm. Interment to follow at Blackwell Cemetery. Remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family online in “Rita’s Guestbook” at mccormackfuneralhomesarnia.com. If desired, donations may be made at www.parkinson.ca or www.cnib.ca. Arrangements entrusted to McCormack Funeral Home - Stewart Chapel, Sarnia.
Obituary Announcement
Services
Memorial Visitation
Monday July 16, 2018
McCormack Funeral Home
Prior to service time.
Memorial Service
Monday July 16, 2018
McCormack Funeral Home
1 pm.
Disposition
Cremation
Lakeview Crematorium
Burial
Blackwell Cemetery
Online Guestbook
Leave a condolence or memory online for the family.
Dear family, Van harte gecondoleerd met het overlijden van jullie (schoon)moeder en oma, en voor mij tante Riet. Ik herinner me tante Riet als een heel vriendelijke, vrolijke tante met een eigen gevoel voor humor en manier van communiceren. Het is al heel wat jaren geleden dat ik haar voor het laatst heb gezien. Jullie zullen haar vast erg missen. Maar ik hoop dat vele mooie herinneringen aan haar jullie mogen troosten met dit verlies. Ik wens jullie hierbij veel liefde, steun en kracht. Een hartelijke groet ook namens mijn man Evert Wiersma, Annemarie Stegeman
Annemarie Stegeman
annemariestegeman@kpnmail.nl
A beautiful lady, she will be missed by many. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Tom and Francine Watson
tomfran@xcelco.on.ca
i just loved taking care of Rita she was a special persons. here is a little poem for her and you. with love As tears roll down my face, I know you're in a better place. I close my eyes to see your face, suddenly I feel a warm embrace. With a smile so wide it brings tears to my eyes As the tears roll down my face I know you are in a better place
David Jones/Michelle Jones
d_jjones62@hotmail.ca
Dear Ingrid & Rob, We wish to express our heartfelt sympathy and the hope that the kind words from your family and friends will make this difficult time a bit easier to bear. Sincerely, Colette & Doreen
Colette Dempsey & Doreen Copeland
dorcope1@hotmail.com
A Great, GREAT Lady, Who Will be Sorely Missed By ALL. She Touched the Hearts of MANY!
George L. Wilson
hogman55@hotmail.ca
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. Our most sincere condolences. We are so sorry for your loss.
Giulia Bonomini & Family
lbolawdge@gmail.com
So sorry to hear of Rita's passing . I remember visiting with her both at home at at Vision. A great lady is now at peace.
John Collins
jmacollins@gmail.com
Our family would like to extend our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. My parents, John and Marjorie Kershaw, lived downstairs from Rita and Jon many years ago and were among their first friends upon arriving in Canada. They spoke often of their fond memories of those days and the time spent getting to know your family. Rita was truly a wonderful, kind and spirited woman.
Anne Kershaw
annemkershaw@gmail.com
I worked with Rita in emerg for several years....Rita was always ready with a big smile and kind words!....knitted sweaters for my sons!, caring and interested in peoples lives........my sincere condolences
Carol reycraft
carolreycraft@hotmail.com