Rita Bannon

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Rita Ann Bannon, on July 20th, 2021 with her family at her side.

Rita was born on June 25, 1960 in Fort William, Ontario and resided on the Fort William First Nation Reserve.

Through the years, Rita always did her best academically but when it came to sports - they were her passion. She was the top woman’s fastball pitcher in Northwestern Ontario, and then went on to be the top female broomball player in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She then went on to become one of the best female pool players to date even the men had a run for their money.

Rita had worked all her life, from Texaco, Credit Union and for 24yrs at the Thunder Bay Courthouse from 1991-2015. She then became the proud owner of the family business J&W /Bannon’s Gas Bar & Charlie’s Grill & Pizza. She was a hard worker and was loved by all.

She enjoyed driving around all night with her mom checking out the sights of the city. Rita loved to cook, even taught her sister to cook. She would make Spaghetti suppers for all her nieces & nephews birthdays that was her present. She had so many friends and acquaintances at the store that would just come to see Rita on Fish Fridays to say hello!

Survived by her mother Jessie, Brothers: Howard (Elsie), Gerald Ton (Judy), Walter (Kelly) Barry Bubba; Sisters: Janice, Wanda (Carl), baby June (Grant) and Puppy dog Austin Matthews. She also leaves behind Niece and Nephews; Howard Jr. (Jeannie), Sylvia (Darcy), Harvey, Lindsay (Jeffrey), Shawn (Julie), Michael (Katherine), Jessica (Mike), Joshua (Tara), Kyle, Charlie (Lucas), Daryl-Lynn, Wolf and Cory. As well as many aunts, uncles and her little pride of joy- numerous great nieces & nephews.

Pre-deceased by her father Vincent Howard. Brothers Howard and William; Sister Audrey. Grandparents Charlie & Lucy Collins; and Vincent & Phyllis Bannon and Great nephew Skylar Meshake.

Rita’s four greatest loves were her family, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays and Blue light

Public viewing at 12:00pm-1:00pm
Funeral Service will be held:
July 26, 2021 at 1:00pm Covid Restriction's invitation only
At St.Ann’s Church
Luncheon to follow at 2:00pm
Bannon’s Gas Bar