November 2, 1945 - May 17, 2022
The family of Rita Maisie Roberts of St. Anthony is saddened to announce that following a lengthy battle of Alzheimer’s disease, our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at the age of 76 years.
Rita was a stay at home Mom until she raised her children into adulthood. She then moved to St. John’s where she courageously started a career at the Fairmont Hotel, a job she took so much pride in doing. Her work ethic, charisma, and compassion exceeded expectations of employer and guests alike. This unique ability to connect with others awarded her numerous employee of the month awards and she entered retirement being prestigiously awarded employee of the year.
Rita stood out. Her spirit was as vivacious as it was kind. Her smile was infectious – everyone was her friend. She brought us so much joy. She made us laugh. She made everyone she met feel special and loved and precious. Music was ingrained in her very being. Rita had a remarkable ability to play the accordion, harmonica and organ. She was the first to step on the dancefloor and the last to leave. She was beautiful. She was ours.
In her last days, she was surrounded by her family who embraced her with so much love and care.
Left to mourn are her beloved children Kerry (Scott), Jenny, Susan (Timmy), and Gerry (Amy); her precious grandchildren Karli, Aaron, Michael, Jane, Heidi, Reece, and Ryder; the father of her children Gerald Chaytor, sisters Marina Sparkes (Ephraim) and Melva Whitten (David deceased); brother Donald Roberts; special nieces and nephews, cousins and so many close friends.
Rita is predeceased by her parents Edna and Fred Roberts, brothers Guy (Bud), Mount, Roland and George; Sisters Jesse, Eliza, and Minnie.
Thank you to the staff of John M Gray Centre and Shirley’s Haven for the care, compassion and professionalism given to Rita during her time with them. Appreciation extended to Lee, Alicia, and Sandra at Kerry M Fillatre Funeral Home for their patience, guidance and comfort.
Flowers or donations in lieu of flowers graciously accepted.
Visitation to take place from Kerry M Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony on Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 2-4 pm and 7-8 pm. The funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, May 20th, 2022 at the Salvation Army Citadel in St. Anthony.