Rita Catherine McDonald

June 14, 1927 to February 27, 2021

Obituary

To view the online service for the late Rita McDonald on March 4th, 2021 at 2:00pm from the Carnell Memorial Chapel, please follow link:
https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=1614630301103402

To view the online graveside service following funeral, please follow link:
http://streamingservices.ca/

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Rita Catherine McDonald (nee Gallagher). Left to cherish her memories are her two children, son John (Elinor) and grandchildren Sarah McDonald and Ashton McDonald and daughter, Lynn, (Bill) and grandchildren Carly Reed and Kristopher Reed. Predeceased by her loving husband, Jack McDonald and granddaughter, Katie McDonald. Also leaving to mourn are her precious sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Gallagher (Toronto, ON) and Cecelia Gallagher (St. John’s) and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, USA and UAE.

Rita (known to many as Auntie Rick) was one of 10 children, the last surviving member of a very large, vibrant and loving family. Her sense of family was ingrained at an early age and her happiest moments were spent with her children, grandchildren and brothers and sisters. Rita and her late husband, Jack, were entertainers and their home was always a gathering place at the end of an evening where music and cards were played well in to the wee hours of the morning. She was a compassionate and caring woman and the first one you turned to when times got tough. In her later years, she was very well cared for by her son, John, and daughter-in-law, Elinor who made sure her every need was met.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the caring staff at the Health Sciences Centre who looked after Rita in her final days. Funeral services have been entrusted to Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road.
The song has ended but the melody lingers on. Safe journey home Mom. Say hi to Dad. Till we meet again.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Schedule

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Sincerest condolences.

My condolences to Cathy & her family.
I met Auntie Ric thru Cathy when Auntie Ric was living at Tiffany . Auntie Ric entertained us with stories of by-gone days & song.. Rest In Peace Auntie Ric I’m so glad I got to hear your stories &
listened to sing.

Lynn , John and family.
With deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom
Whenever I think of her I laugh. She had the greatest laugh and laughed about everything!
Dads on the piano, Ray singing and Jack on the ugly stick welcoming her to the party!!
They always had a grand time
I hope all the wonderful memories you hold so close to your heart give you peace during this time

So sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. I missed both Rita and Elizabeth when the left the street (Empire Avenue). My condolences to all the family.
Linda Boone

I met auntie Rick ( through my dear sweet friend Cathy French ( who is auntie Rick’s niece) – we visited her quiet often at Tiffany village & we always left there crying with laughter from her funny stories & jokes ( even though I only knew her through Cathy- I could tell she really loved to party in her day & I wished I had known her then knowing any time spent with her would have been fun & special – my condolences to all & if Cathy is any indication – auntie rick was well loved & will be very much missed by all – i miss her myself.

Heartfelt condolences to Sarah and her family during difficult time. Sarah enjoy the beautiful memories of yours childhood spent with her our thoughts and prayers with you and family

Lynn, John and families….I don’t have adequate words to express my sadness at Mrs. Mac’s passing. Oh my, oh my, my mind and heart are full of emotions and memories of this amazing, beautiful woman and Mr. Mac and the intertwining of our families over the years. I hope your memories help with the grief and the healing to come. Sending my love.

Dear Lynn, John and all the extended family,

Aunt Rita was a wonderful lady who had a great sense of humor and brought joy to many people. You were lucky to have her for so many years The brothers and sisters are now all together once again, such a great family

John, Elinor and Ashton,

Thinking of you all during this tough time. Sending love and my deepest condolences your way.

Love,
Melanie

I recall meeting Rita numerous times with my late mom (Alice Crotty-Quinn). My mom and Rita were good friends from years ago. I recall my mom and Rita talking about the good old days, and they would always bring each other up to date on what was new.. Rita was a sweet lady and always had a smile. My condolences to her family. Rest in Peace.
Judy Quinn

So sorry for your loss. I have fond nemories of when we were all neighbours.

John and Lynn, we were very saddened to hear of your mothers passing. She was such a big part of our lives,her funny stories and her love of music we will cherish forever. Please know we are thinking of you during this most difficult time.
Rest In Peace Auntie Rickie.

Our sincere condolences to the McDonald family on the passing of your mom. We have many fond memories of your dear mother over the years. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time..Sincerely Bill and Brenda (Casey) Grouchy

So sad to hear of Aunt Rita’s passing. She was an amazing lady that we all loved dearly. A beautiful soul and such a great personality. Lots of memories to cherish. Sincere condolences to the family. We will celebrate her life together some day soon.

Our deepest sympathies to the McDonald family on the passing of your mom, you will be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

To John and Lynn, so saddened to read of the passing of your dear mother.. I have known your mom for many many years, she was a lovely kind and caring lady, full of fun and kindness. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lynn, so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Thinking of you during this time, and smiled a little bit when I noticed from her picture that you look like her.

John & Elinor, Lynn and families:
I just read all the condolences & I agree with them all – she was ‘the greatest’. We had many good times together, both Kay Whelan & I – not to mention the ‘sing songs….
Rest in Peace my Love – You were the BEST !
Sincerely, Love, Joan (Wadden) Hann

Lynn, John and Elinor and families..please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother.. it is even harder to experience the passing of your mom during covid times. Your mom was a beautiful woman and we hope the happy memories you have will comfort you during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.

I have such wonderful memories of your mother’s hospitality and how well she looked after us all while we ate all the food in the house and hung around down in the Scounge Lounge. She always listened to our stories and got such a kick out of the silly nicknames the boys all had. She was always warm and welcoming and never forgot a face. She was a treasure and one of the great moms!

John, Lynn
Auntie Rick will be surely missed. Always ready for a song and a good joke. When I visited, a few weeks ago we sat and sang together, she never missed a note.! I have a life time of cherished memories , that I will look back on. Love you Auntie Rick
Paddy

Sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. What a wonderful lady. May she Rest In Peace

My deepest sympathies Lyn. May her soul rest in peace and may the family have comfort and peace.

Elinor, Ashton and family, please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of Mrs. McDonald. Please reach out if you need anything.

Dear John & Family & Lynn & Family,
We are sorry to hear of Aunt Ricky passing. We all have our own special memories of visiting NFLD and staying at Aunt Ricky and. uncle Mac’s house. There was always laughter and a lot of fun going on. From singing, playing cards, telling jokes and story telling time. We loved when Aunt Ricky would stay for months at our parents house in NY or when she would visit us in FL. Great memories that we will cherish. Our deepest condolences. Love, the Lewis Family- Pat/Steve, Bob/Annette, George/Karen, Lynn/Rob, Cathy, Paul/ Carol. We love you

Thinking of you all at this very difficult time. May your love for Mrs McDonald get you through the trying days ahead.

John and Elinor, Lynn and Bill, Dear Grandchildren, and Entire Family:

Our sincere condolences to you on your Mom Rita’s passing. Rita was a true ray of sunshine filled with love of family, wonderful hospitality, and great fun. Such a pleasure to have known her and to have enjoyed her company. Your Mom and your Dad were a treat to be around. May all your happy memories give you great comfort at this time.

Dearest John, Elinor Ashton and Sarah. Our hearts are breaking for you in your loss. Mrs. Mac was such a beautiful bright and shining light and I know her spirit will watch over your home with love, laughter and wonderful warm memories. Condolences to Lynn and her family also. Rita’s passing was so sudden in a very difficult time. Our prayers and love are with you as they have been throughout. R.I.P. Rita, I’m sure you will keep the angels laughing!

Lynn, I am so sorry to hear the incredibly sad news about your mom. I am here for you and my thoughts are with you and your family through these difficult times.

John, Lyn and familes. So sorry to hear of Mrs. Mac’s passing.. We have such fond memories of time spend with you and your parents over the years which were always filled with laughter. kindness and love. Keep all your wonderful memories fresh in your minds as they will help comfort you in the days ahead.

Love you Auntie Rick, sharing time with you over the years always led to laughter. You never knew who would show up at your door( the revolving door) from family, friends, politicians, priests and the Sisters we all booked in for the night and overnight. We celebrated every event in the basement with Uncle Mac on piano and the family singing.. There is nothing you would not do for any of us. and proved it. I am going to miss you and hoping all my tears turn to memories of us laughing together. Say hello to everyone .. . we all know it was a joyful reunion. I love you xoxo

Sarah, my thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Loved your stories of Nanny and we all knew it wasn’t Christmas till your Facebook profile changed to Nanny in her festive attire. Cherish your memories, Nanny will always be with you !

Lynn, my deepest condolences for your loss. May the beautiful memories of your mum bring you comfort and solace during this time.

Our thoughts and love are with you John, Elinor and Ashton.

We will definitely miss Nan stories at the rink and although we never did get to meet her, we could feel her kind spirit through those heartwarming tales. I know that her loss brings a hole to your household but I hope that her spirit and love will always live on in your home. Sending our deepest condolences.

Lynn, my thoughts to you and your family about your loss. Wish you all the courage to pass through the next steps.

Lynn, my heartfelt condolences on your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this time.

Lynn, I’m so sorry about your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope you find comfort in good memories of your mom.

Lynn, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you feel surrounded by much love. May the soul of your grandfather rest in peace.

Lynn, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My sincerest prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Lynn, I am heartbroken to hear of your loss. My thoughts are prayers are with you and family at this time.

Goodbye Aunt Rick, you were loved and you will be missed. I hope you are back with your beloved parents and siblings., celebrating Gallagher style! See you on the other side.

Lynn, my sincere condolences. What a beautiful life your mom lived filled with family and friends. My thoughts are with you during this time.

Lynn, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.

Lynn, my condolences go out to you and your family. I am thinking of you at this sad time.

To The McDonald Family,

Sincere condolences for your loss .
May cherished memories give you peace and strength during these trying days.
My thoughts and prayers are with you .

Deepest sympathy,
Sandra Goff

John, Lynn so sorry for your loss. Aunti Rick was with us from the beginning Freshwater Road, Parade St. We were all there together. You bought a lot of joy and happiness to me and our family. You loved a party and a good sing song, and there were many. Shiela and I have many fond memories of you and Uncle Mac (Jack) to carry us through. Till we meet again.

You were a light in the lives of so many and will be missed by all whose lives you touched! Sending your family our love and prayers! “Thanks for the memories “ ‼️♥️♥️♥️ Love, Michael & Yvonne

John & Lynn I am so sad to hear of your mom’s passing. We have such wonderful memories of family gatherings with Auntie Ricky singing along while Karen’s father would play the piano and my kids would sit there a listen to her version of blueberry hill. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time .

Sorry for the loss of your mother. Even though she wasn’t my aunt. I always called her aunt Rita. Between her and Uncle Ray. She was one of the best growel partners I ever had.. she’ll be missed ????

Sorry the lost of mother. Even though she was

John,Lynn and the Gallagher Family,
So sorry to hear the news of Rita’s passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
She has left you all with lots of wonderful family memories that will comfort you in the days ahead.
She was a wonderful lady and will be missed by all who were blessed to have know her.
RIP Rita, Heaven has gained another angel.

Our condolences to you Lynn and Bill ,john and Elinor and the rest your families ,we have great memories of your mother with many good laughs and card games . She was a wonderful woman . She will never be forgotten.

Meeting Rita can only leave laughs, smiles., and fond memories.. She was a wonderful person who could light up a room with her love of being around family and friends. We often think of the times we. spent with her when she was visiting Ontario, or the visit to PEI prior to the cottage there.. Our deepest condolences to Lynn, Bill, and entire family.

While I have never met Rita personally, I have only heard the most wonderful stories about her from her granddaughter Sarah. She seemed like a truly remarkable woman! I’m sending my love and condolences to the family during this difficult time.

John, Lynn and family. So very sad to hear that your mother passed away. She was a beautiful person in so many ways and made everyone feel so welcome in her home.
She will be remembered as a grand lady who loved her family and enjoyed life to the fullest.
She will be missed by all who knew her.
God Bless her and all of you in these trying times.
Phil Lane

Rest in peace, Aunt Rita, prayers from the Blunda family. Love always

Sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing. She well always be in your heart Joyce and Skip Moore

So sad to hear of Rita’s passing, she was a wonderful lady, may she rest in peace.