October 19, 1941 – July 24, 2023
Surrounded by the love of family, Rita Whall of Wasaga Beach passed away peacefully at Campbell House hospice in Collingwood on Monday July 24, 2023.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Rev. Deacon David Whall. She was a loving mother to Cathy (Robert) Barry, the late Linda Potter, and John David (Katherine) Whall; grandma to Mackenzie Potter, Cassandra Potter, Matthew Whall and Anna Whall; and great-grandma to Tate Potter-Masse.
Rita was born in Toronto to John and Josephine (Schwalm) Newton, and raised in a busy, loving household with five siblings: Mary (Robert) McDonell (deceased), Elizabeth (Bob) Dolan, Bill (Cathie) Newton, Joe (Shirley) Newton, and John Newton.
Faith, family and friends were central to Rita’s life. She brought boundless energy to all that she did. In her professional life, she and Dave established various businesses; she then went on to a successful career as a payroll manager with a number of corporations and hospitals across Canada, ultimately settling in Wasaga Beach. Commitment to community was enormously important to her. In addition to being a charter member of the Wasaga Beach Kinette Club, she was devoted to the St. Patrick’s / St. Noel Chabanel community and was active in many aspects of parish life including the Catholic Women’s League, where she held many roles over the years. Rita’s faith was equally evident in her role within the diaconate community over the last 20 years.
In her personal life, Rita loved to entertain family and friends. She was in her element when hosting family gatherings or entertaining friends aboard their boat on Georgian Bay. She and Dave loved to travel and made wonderful memories while snowmobiling, boating, cottaging and travelling the world. Her love of life will remain an inspiration for those that knew her, including her immediate family, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and her community of friends.
The family is tremendously grateful for the support of Rita’s health care team:
Dr. Dorothy Sunderland, Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital, Southlake Regional Health Centre, the Home Care nursing and personal support workers and, in her final days, Campbell House. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation (Campbell House). Friends will be received by Rita’s family at the Carruthers & Davidson Funeral Home -Wasaga Beach Chapel, 509 River Road West, Wasaga Beach on Sunday July 30, 2023 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Vigil prayers will be held at 7:30 p.m. A funeral mass will take place at 11:30 am on Monday July 31, 2023, at St. Noel Chabanel Catholic Church, 133 Dunkerron Avenue, Wasaga Beach. Interment to follow at Wasaga Beach Cemetery. Reception to follow at St. Patrick’s Parish hall, 215 Pine Street, Stayner. To sign Rita’s Book of Memories, please visit www.carruthersdavidson.com