Obituary of Rita Assey

Rita Assey - October 19, 1933 – February 10, 2021

Rita passed away peacefully Feb. 10, 2021 at the St. Catharines General Hospital, after a long and difficult fight with dementia and congestive heart failure. 

It’s ironic that this was her final resting place as she worked there for over 25 years on the Maternity floor, welcoming life for so many.  Most women who had a baby there from 1970-1990s would remember her as a tough but kind nurse. 

She was affectionately known as “Aunty", not just to her many nieces, nephews and their families, but also to her many friends. Even though she never married or had children of her own, she took on the role of mother/grandmother to her nieces and nephews, and would often introduce herself as that.  Her family stretched over many parts of the world from Australia, Canada, England, India, Republic of Ireland, United Emirates and the USA.  She had a great love of children and would be regularly striking up conversations and joking with little ones wherever she went. 

Rita moved into Cobblestone Retirement Home in September 2019.  She was very well cared for by staff there with many of whom would go out of their way to spend time with her and make sure she was adapting to her new surroundings, in particular Bonnie and Naya.  She made many lovely new friends there as well.  During her last few weeks in hospital, that same self-sacrificing care was shown to her by all the great nurses, doctors and staff there.  During these unprecedented times, when her family could not be with her, the caring staff were there when we couldn’t be.  We feel so thankful and blessed that she had them, and that they also helped us be able to communicate with her daily.  

Aunty had the best sense of humour, coupled with a big twist of sarcasm and an infectious laugh. There was never a dull moment with her. She was the “best cheater" in cards, loved shopping and travelling but her biggest passion was her love of God.  

She is well known for sharing the “good news about God's Kingdom", and the wonderful hope of living in perfect health in a paradise earth reunited with all her loved ones. She loved her family and friends and it’s this same hope that keeps us comforted and optimistic about seeing her again soon. 

Until that time, we have many great memories of her stern face that would quickly turn into a sarcastic comment usually about our intelligence, or rather—lack of intelligence.....then complete laughter! We will remember that there is only one way to make a bed, or iron, or cook certain things!  

She will be greatly missed. We look forward to seeing her again soon in vibrant health and being able to be with all her family and friends enjoying life….having that huge family reunion she often spoke about.  

She is predeceased by her parents, 5 siblings and one nephew, Agnel Perreira (India) 

She is survived by her nieces and nephews:  Deborah Perreira(Mississauga, ON), Keith and Shirley Perreira (India), Sherry Orr (Windsor, ON), Arlene and Bruno Fernandes (India), Joy Assey and Milton Dsouza (India), Jacquie Lacasse and Mark Mioduszewski (Thorold, ON), Sandi and Michael Rudolph (Republic of Ireland) and all of their families.  

We will have fond memories of the time we had with her.   So we will wait….and it's not long….just around the corner until we see her again, the best Aunty ever!  Job 14:14,15 

Please join us in celebrating her life, beliefs and accomplishments, on Saturday March 13th, 2021 beginning at 1:45pm EST with a slideshow and at 2:00pm EST with memorial talk.  

For your personal invitation, please email: RitaAsseyMemorial2021@gmail.com In lieu of flowers donations can be made on JW.org