Rita Keller

Rita Helen Celina Keller passed away after a long struggle with COPD, at St. Joseph’s Hospital with her family by her side on Monday, April 26, 2010.

Rita was born and raised in Noranda,  Quebec ving to FortFrances, Ontario in her teens.  Rita graduated from the Registered Nursing Assistant program in 1968 and worked in Cochrane and Kenora, Ontario hospitals in Oncology.  After raising her family, she returned to nursing as a Registered Practical Nurse in 1989 at Dawson Court in Thunder Bay with special care residents.

She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading and bowling; and camping and canoeing in QueticoPark.

Rita is lovingly remembered by her husband, Larry, daughters Jackie Caron (Grant). Catherine Hilgers (Brad), Sarah Keller (Chris), special niece Pauli Genier (J.P.).  Brothers and Sisters Ken Mongrain (Judy), Marilyn Faragher, Elizabeth Weldon (Richard), Lionel Mongrain (Valerie).  Grandchildren, Daniel Caron, Gabriel and Mikayla Hilgers.  Special friends Lynda Verdenik, Marianne McCreaty, and Ben and Sue Prince.   Two aunts and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and in-laws also survive.

She was predeceased by her parents Raphael Henry Mongrain, Pauline Ernestine Richert, nephews Darren Mongrain and Bradley Faragher, and brother-in-law Arnold Faragher.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 29^th when family and friends will gather at St. Margaret’s R.C.Church for Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Ciaran Donnelly.  Interment will take place at a later date.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday evening, April 28^th from 6:00  p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 North Court Street with a Vigil Service beginning at 630 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lung Association are greatly appreciated.

A special thank you to Dr. Scali and all of the staff of 2 North, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Hospice Northwest Circle of Friends.