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Rita Colette Adams March 10, 1933 - April 17, 2014 |
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Our beloved mother, Rita Colette Adams, passed away on April 17, 2014, in her 81st year. Daughter of Josephine Miskimmin and spouse of the late Seán Patrick Adams of Belfast, Ireland. Deeply loved by her children Maureen, Dianne, Frank, and Seán and their partners Dan, Barry, Shelly, and Patty. Much loved cousin of Ray O’Reilly, sister-in-law of Rita Wolger, and dear sister of Seán Miskimmin and his wife Marlene. Rita is the adored Máthair Mhór of Saoirse, Seán Óg, Brenna, Deirdre, Conor and Liam. Beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, and mourned by the extended O'Reilly, Miskimmin, and Adams families in Canada and Ireland. Rita came to Toronto as a young 20 year old joining our father Seán who had come the year before. She embraced her new country with an open heart but maintained a deep love and connection to Ireland throughout her life. She was a woman of strength and courage, devoted to family and loyal to friends. She was loved in the businesses she worked for, in the organizations where she volunteered, and by her family and friends for her kindness, generosity, sense of humour, love of life and strong commitment to social justice. She had a twinkle in her eye and a big bold wonderful smile. She raised her children with love, affection, and laughter and she could never give enough hugs and kisses along the way. She adored her grandchildren and supported them in all of their endeavours with pride and joy. She was at their dance performances, recitals, hockey and soccer games, and school concerts and events. She taught them all how to swim and her Christmas baking weekends with them were legendary. But most important of all, she surrounded them with love and a sense of adventure and fun. She was made to be a Máthair Mhór. She loved music, had a beautiful voice and sang with great pleasure in her church choir for many years. She enjoyed the outdoors, cottaging, camping, cycling, and canoeing. She had many an adventure travelling across Canada, throughout the USA, the Caribbean and to France and Italy. But her favourite place to visit was Ireland and her numerous trips there included introducing her children and grandchildren to her homeland. She was a founding member of the Emerald Isle Seniors Society serving on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer. She was also a member of the Seniors Choir and one of a group of seniors who loved to travel together. As an Irish Republican and supporter of Sinn Féin, she also devoted herself to Irish Unity work and lived to see real political and social change as the peace process unfolded in Ireland. This gave her immense joy. She loved Irish dancing and the Irish language and passed on this love to her children and grandchildren. She lived life fully and with passion and was surrounded in her final days by those whom she loved. In the last few years of her life she was assisted by a devoted caregiver. The family would like to give enormous thanks and gratitude to Emma for all that she gave to Rita and to our family. Thanks also to the team at Providence Healthcare, especially Karen for her compassionate end of life support. Family and friends will be received at Pine Hills Visitation Centre (625 Birchmount Rd., north of St. Clair Ave E., 416-267-8229) on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from 5-8 pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday morning at 11am in the Pine Hills Chapel.
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