Mrs. Rita Theresa Parker, age 86 years, passed away peacefully in Hogarth-Riverview Manor on Wednesday, February 11, 2015.
Rita was born on August 4, 1928 in Port Arthur, one of 13 children born to Vito and Rosa De Felippo.
She left the family home on Ontario Street at the age of 16 and went with her sister to work at the Prince Arthur Hotel, where she was a Chambermaid. After a few years, she moved to Nipigon, where she met her husband, Adolph. Together, they raised 4 children. Following Adolph's death in 1979, Rita returned to Thunder Bay where she worked for the City of Thunder Bay as a Housekeeper at Dawson Court and Grandview Lodge until retirement in 1993.
In her later years, she worked as a greeter at Walmart, which she enjoyed greatly. Rita enjoyed bowling in her younger years, and curling as well as knitting and crocheting. She will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends.
Rita is survived by her children, Randy (Janet), Diane (Ken) McNally, Carolyn (Barry) Hollohan and Jeff; 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren as well as siblings Piper, Raymond, Helen, Marlene and Dodo. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
She was predeceased by her husband, Adolph in 1979; her parents and numerous brothers and sisters.
A private graveside service will take place in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum at St. Andrew's Cemetery. Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Rita to the Alzheimer Society would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.
