Mrs. Rhoda Ann Douglas (nee MacLeod), age 89 years, passed away peacefully in Southbridge Pinewood on Sunday, February 28, 2021.
Rhoda was born on May 4, 1931 in Scotland and immigrated to Canada in 1968. She worked in various offices, but retired as an Insurance Broker from Duncan Insurance in 1991.
Rhoda was extremely passionate that education was the best investment a person could make, returning to college while in her 50s to obtain her Insurance Broker’s licence and then after retiring sitting in at the local university to audit courses. She inspired both her children to achieve university degrees as she saw as their future (one being a bit slower getting on board, but eventually realized the importance).
One of Rhoda’s dearest friends was her neighbour Pauline (since passed) but as widows they spent their time together as much as they could shopping the days away to buy actually very little (a true Scot!). It was a family affair as Pauline’s grandson Gary would also spend time at the house being a best friend to John and only a step over a two foot picket fence away.
After her retirement Rhoda volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society. She and her other close friend Flora had many a good time while volunteering there and we are sure had some hijinks.
Rhoda loved to travel and had some fun adventures both with her friend Flora and her son Rick Perciante. Many a laugh (and embarrassment to Karen and Rick) was had during some of these times. In Rhoda's younger years she could be found travelling the Scottish countryside and many other locations on her motorcycle. Her children liked to tease her about being a “biker chick”.
She had a giant heart that loved and welcomed all visitors with tea and foods that most people here had never heard of - Haggis, Steak and Kidney pie, lentil soup, black pudding or even potato scones. Anyone who was at Rhoda’s and ever felt ill can remember her magic “cure all” of Lucozade (even if the illness was self induced). The tea was always on at Francis St and variety of shortbread and other goodies to be had while sitting in the kitchen talking and laughing. And of course a cat to sit on your lap!! The house was always a welcome area for everyone with Rhoda’s children having many friends “hang out” in the basement. All were welcome!
Rhoda was a hard working resilient individual. After suffering a stroke that left her to be in a wheelchair and being thought to spend her years in a seniors’ home she showed everyone her strength and moved out to live independently until a few months before her passing.
She looked forward to the visits from her friend Jane who kept pushing her with exercises and stretches to keep Rhoda going. This was a highlight of her week.
Up until her stroke prevented her from attending on a regular basis Rhoda loved attending church services at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. And after she still attended the annual Christmas teas held there to get her shortbread cookies amongst other goodies.
She will never be forgotten by those she loved and loved her in return. The world is just a bit darker without her in it. She will never be forgotten as the most beautiful, first class, stubborn, kickass lady ever!!
Rhoda is survived by her daughter Karen Lonergan (Rick), son John (Charlene) Lonergan and grandchildren Jasmine and Jarrod; siblings Angus of Simcoe, Norman of Toronto and Marie of Scotland. Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
She was predeceased by her two husbands, John F. Lonergan and Richard Douglas as well as her parents Gregory and Catherine MacLeod.
John and Karen would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the following people for helping our mother these past years - Grant for helping Rhoda all those years ago to get her independence back, to Jane for her countless hours doing exercises with Rhoda and for all the extra little things she always did for her, the staff at Bayshore Health Care (especially Diane) for their many years of assistance, and to the wonderful staff at Pinewood Court who helped Rhoda in the last few months of her life. She wasn’t there for a long time but the time she did have she was truly cared for. Thank you all!!
Cremation has taken place and interment will take place in Scotland at a later date. In keeping with Rhoda's love of animals, we ask that should friends so desire, donations be made in her memory to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society, Save a Stray, Kitty Kare, Northern Spay Neuter Program, Caring Hearts Cat Sanctuary or any other charity to help animals.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.
