Rita Catarina Smykalski

Rita Catarina Smykalski (Pellegrino) died peacefully September 18, 2018 in Toronto General Hospital. Rita was born January 3, 1952 in Terrace Bay, Ontario. She is survived by her loving husband Lawrence Smykalski; children Jeffrey (Zohar) Niagara and Lindsay Aden (Mohamed) Thunder Bay; and grandchildren Jamil and Amira, brothers Cosimo Pellegrino, Dominic (Sandra) Pellegrino, Pavalo (Rosann) Pellegrino, sister Mary Pellegrino, brothers-in-law Wayne (Dian) Smykalski, Brian (Jeanette) Smykalski, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Rita was predeceased by her parents Teresa and Giuseppe Pellegrino and daughter Jenny-Lynn at birth. 

From childhood Rita bravely faced the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes and all the complications it presents, courageous even then. Rita was raised and attended school in Schreiber, Ontario. As a young woman she moved to Thunder Bay where she spent the rest of her adult life. It was here she met her one and only true love, Larry. They were married August 12, 1978. After Larry’s life altering accident Rita devoted her life to his care. Her fierce determination was matched only by her limitless generosity. She was very proud of her 35 year career at Confederation College where she held many positions, retiring in 2010 from the accounting department.

Her heart was filled with love for her family, especially her precious grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her sister Mary and good friends Mimma and Zia. If there is a Walmart in heaven Rita will be wandering the isles with her dear friend Hildegard Reinke who went before to check out the specials.

Thank you to Rita’s many friends who stayed close to her and helped when needed. Thank you for the care she received over the years from her health professionals and to the staff of Thunder Bay Regional Emergency and ICU departments, and Toronto General CVIC. Rita could not begin to adequately thank the dedicated people who have cared for Larry over the years. 

Services will be held on Monday, October 1, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Jenkens Funeral Home, 226 S. Syndicate Avenue. If desired donations can be made to Diabetes Health Thunder Bay, St. Joseph’s Care Group or Canadian Mental Health Association.