Obituary of Rita Eileen Miller

Miller, Rita Eileen (Ives) Completed her journey on earth, peacefully in her 94th year, Monday, January 16th at the St.Catharines General Hospital. She will be dearly missed by her children Sheila (Bob), Greg (Allison), Matt (Debra) and Martha (Robbie). Loved as †œGrannie†� by Matt (Shryl), Jessica (Rob), Steven (Amanda), Paul, Mark (Janine), Rachel (Devin), Ryan (Melanie), Courtney, Kyle, Chelsea (Tyler), Joseph, Paul, and Patrick. Great grandmother to Mathew, Lucas, Nate, Jared, Landon and Maddison. She is survived by her sister Catharine in Florida. Predeceased by her husband Bill (2007) with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. Also predeceased by her siblings Bob, Bill, Sarah, Harry, Marie and George. Rita was born in St.Catharines November 9th, 1918. Rita graduated from D†™Youville College, Buffalo New York, in 1939. She then earned her Masters of Social Work at University of Toronto. She worked at Children†™s Aid Societies and Catholic Charities in Toronto, Buffalo and Niagara Falls prior to her †˜brilliant marriage†™ in 1952. Rita raised 4 children, and among the moves in her life, was a family move in 1970 to what was then East Pakistan. Rita and family travelled through Asia with a sense of adventure, which she carried throughout her life, later visiting Central America and frequent trips to Boston and Nova Scotia. Long time parishioner of St.Julia†™s Parish and member of the CWL. Her sense of faith in action led Rita to volunteer for years with the Hotel Dieu Auxillary, Birthright, Ozanam, and Amnesty International. She was also a member of the Canadian Celiac Association. Rita was a woman of deep faith who understood the duty of delight and was known for her wit and laughter. Her greatest sustenance was her faith and daily Mass. As Rita developed more limiting health in this last year, she adapted with grace and learned more fully to recieve. She was deeply appreciative of her family and friends that accompanied her in this stage of her journey. We have learned much with her and from her about acceptance and humility. Our sincere thanks to CCAC, especially her PSW Elaine with whom she shared hours of laughter; to Drs.Phil and Elaine O†™Reilly; to Dr.Mackett and the staff of the St.Catharines General Hospital; to her many friends at Southgate and to the staff and new friends at Heatherwood. She loved us all †œa bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck†�. We are forever grateful. Family will receive friends at the George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton Street on Thursday between 2-4 and 7-9pm. Vigil Prayers to be held in the funeral home at 3:30pm.Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Juila Church, 251 Glenrdige Avenue on Friday at 10:30 am with cremation to follow. Memorial donations may be made to Gillians Place.