Rita Mary (Dobbin) Walsh
February 20, 1941 to February 17, 2022
Obituary
“We can do no great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.” – Mother Theresa
Rita filled her lifetime with acts of great love for many. God only knows the lives she touched in the almost 81 short years that she lived among us – maybe yours was one of them? If so, please think of her the next time you pay it forward.
Born in 1941 into a family that would include her 10 brothers and sisters, Rita was a girl-from-the-Gaskiers who started out as a Presentation Sister (Sister Bernard Marie) for a time. After leaving the sisterhood, one night at a dance, she fell in love with young man from St. Mary’s, whom she had gone to high school with, and became a wife, twice a mother, and then a widow within a brief span of years.
With courage and great resilience, Rita raised two wonderful sons as a single mother. Always a “smart cookie” with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, she taught as Sister Bernard and Mrs. Walsh at schools in Stephenville, Placentia, the Goulds, and St. John’s. Later years were filled by giving freely of her time and her talent to all those who loved her and whom she loved. Rita’s spirit was embodied by her love of history, world travel, crafting and reading – activities she continued to enjoy right up until her recent illness. She passed away at home, surrounded by love, peace and family.
Awaiting Rita in heaven patiently for the last 48 years is her beloved husband John Walsh. Also, Rita’s parents Sarah (Critch) and Bernard Dobbin; brothers Sam (Edna) Dobbin, Paddy (Bernardette) Dobbin, and David Dobbin; sisters Doreen Tobin and Ellie Push; brothers-in-law Chuck Middleton, Gaetan Charbonneau, Kenneth Walsh, and Gabe (Helen) Walsh; sister-in-law Nellie Philpott; and special friend Ron Bussey. Holding memories of Rita’s goodness in their hearts here on earth are son David Walsh and his wife Jenn Deon; son Michael Walsh and his fiancée Carrie-Anne Beltzer; grandchildren John Deon-Walsh, Brooklyn Walsh, and Liam Walsh, and step-grandson Samuel Brunet; sisters Dolly Middleton, Theresa Charbonneau, Sadie (Steve) Fagan, and Joan Dobbin, and their families; baby brother Bernie (Diane) Dobbin and his family; sister-in-law Caroline Dobbin and her family; brother-in-law Patrick Tobin and his family; sisters-in-law Patricia Mandeville, Ruth (Gerry) Fallon, and Betty Walsh and their families; friends and housemates Rod and Fran Deon; and many other relatives and friends.
Special thanks to Krista, Jocelyn, Lorraine, Sheyda, Fenna, Shelley, Joanne and Rita for their companionship and caregiving to Rita over the last several years.
In lieu of flowers, please make your own small act of great love to a cause of your choosing.
The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Friday February 18 from 2:00-5:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial led by Rita’s cousin Reverend Cecil Critch will take place at 11am on Saturday February 19 at the Basilica of St. John’s the Baptist. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Mount Pearl.
Schedule
Visitations
2-5 p.m. on February 18, 2022
7-9 p.m. on February 18, 2022
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Saturday February 19th
Basilica of St. John the Baptist
To the family of Rita Dobbin Walsh:
Please accept my condolences on the passing of a lovely lady. Miss Dobbin was my teacher one year during her time in Placentia… one of my favorite teachers. Aside from her skills as a teacher, I also remember her sharing a box of chocolates with the class. To this day whenever I eat a chocolate or two, I often remember her. Which is what prompted my google search for her name today… a chocolate or two. So sorry for your loss…
Patrick O’Keefe
to both David, Michael and their families,
Michellle, and I are so sorry to hear about Aunt Rita’s passing. I can’t imagine what you all must be going through. We so sorry for your loss. Please let us know if there is anything at all you need. We are thinking about all of you.
With love and sympathy,
Mary-Beth, Michelle and Addison
Dear David & Michael,
I am so sorry to read about your Mom’s passing.Rita was a wonderful Mother to you boys.I could not attend the wake or funeral as I have not been well.Larry is overseas with the Military.I would love to speak to Michael before he leaves for Ont.I send my love & prayers to you both .God Bless. Peggy Hatfield
Please accept my sincere condolences, your mom taught me in 1981-82 at St. Kevin’s, Goulds. I recognized her picture right away, she hadn’t changed at all. I remember her being a lovely teacher who left a wonderful lasting impression on me. May she Rest In Peace!
So Sorry for your loss.
My condolences for Rita’s passing over. She sounds like a wonderful,loving person who accomplished so much in her life .She is at peace now and your memories will keep her tucked in your hearts forever.
Sincerely,
Eileen
Sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing.
David and family
Sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing.
Dear David, Michael and families,
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time. I have many fond memories of Aunt Rita.
Take care,
Janet Philpott
Dearest sympathy to the family
Ron,
Sending much Love and Healing now.
Poppy 🙏🥰♥️
David and family,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. May your memories of your mom, bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Take care.
Dear Dave, Jennifer, and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Rita’s passing. I am certain that Rita will be missed, especially among those who had the opportunity to get to know her over the years. I did not know Rita personally but it sounds like she had a wonderfully rich life with plenty of friends and loved one’s who rallied around her. Rita’s life is indeed a testament to strength and resilience in the face of hardship, and I am sure she will be sorely missed. Please extend my deepest sympathy to your family.
Hi Dave,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. My deepest sympathies to you and your family..
Valerie Piper
Dave, Jennifer and family!
We are so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. I only met her a few times, once when she visited my
Mom after my brother was diagnosed with scleroderma. She was very comforting to her. May all your wonderful memories of your mom keep her close in your heart.
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother, Grandmother, Sister and friend.
I have many wonderful memories of Aunt Rita.
Evelyn and Raymond Kielly.
May your wonderful memories bring you comfort at this time.
Evelyn & Raymond Kielly
We were blessed to know Rita through Jenn and Dave, our dear brother-in-law who is such a splendid example of Rita’s excellence as a mother. Rita was so caring and kind to our family, especially to our son Jonathan when he lived in St. John’s. She took him under her wing while we were on the opposite side of the country. We will miss you, Rita, but we can all take solace in the positive ways you have touched so many lives.
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mother. I will keep you in my prayers.
David, Michael and families:
Sorry to hear of your moms passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jason and I are very saddened to hear of Mrs. Walsh’s passing. Our very first Christmas dinner together was prepared by her very hands. I thoroughly enjoyed our chats, tea and her sharing of cooking tips when I was fortunate enough to tag along on visits with Ron and Brenda. My fondest and most cherisable memory shall always be her assisting me with my graduate course in Career counselling where she afforded me the privilege of journeying through the intimate details of her life. I was so profoundly struck by her beauty, brilliance and bravery. She was a rare gem with such humility and class.
Please accept our deepest condolences. May her kindness be returned to you during this time of sorrow.
Michelle and Jason
Mrs. Walsh was my teacher at St. Pius TenthGirls’ School. She was strict, but an excellent teacher.
I remember her with respect.
The last time I saw Aunt Rita was at my sister Jill’s wedding in August 2002. She gave me a big hug, and we had a great chat. I remember the sparkle in Aunt Rita’s eyes and her love of life. I’m sorry for your loss.
To Rita’s Family. My sincere condolences. I am Bert Bussey, a nephew of Ron Bussey, living in Kanata Ontario. She was a lovely lady, I always enjoyed my visits to St. John’s. She was a darling to talk with and I have many fond memories of my visits with Ron & Rita.
May she Rest In Peace.
Sincerely, Bert Bussey
To all of Rita’s family, I am heartbroken to hear of Rita’s passing. My family has very fond memories of Rita that we will treasure forever. She was always there to either sew on a button or make anything we asked. and cook the best turkey dinner. She will always be in our hearts. My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this very sad time. RIP Rita
My sincere condolences to Rita’s family. She was a woman of God’s heart. She loved deeply. I was so blessed to have her loving friendship since High School. It didn’t matter how much time had elapsed since we last saw each other.. we just took up where we left of. I cherished her friendship. She will be remembered in my thoughts and prayers..
David, Michael and families,
We are so sorry to learn of Aunt Rita’s passing. You have our sincerest sympathies, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this time.
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your MDJH family are thinking of you!
I was blessed to know such a wonderful lady, Rita Walsh. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.