It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Rita Rigato (Margarit) at home on November 28, 2022 at the age of 97. Mom was born in the East End of Fort William to immigrant parents. She started working at a young age beginning at Swift Bakery, then Canada Car, and finally as a receptionist for Dr. Burnford.
She married Carlo Rigato, was blessed with three children and stayed home to care for them. When the children were older, Mom returned to work catering at the Oliver Road Rec. until the age of 65. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and spending time with loved ones. She loved dancing with our father, gardening, and preserving the harvest. She also spent time knitting, baking, and sewing, making lots of clothes for her children when they were young. Family was everything to her and she enjoyed babysitting all of her grandchildren when their parents went to work.
People fell in love with our mother the moment they met her and she was a very compassionate woman. When our father’s health was failing, Mom cared for him and drove him wherever he needed to go. After his passing in 2017, she continued to drive until finally giving up her license at the age of 94. She was a very religious woman, never missing Sunday Mass. When she was unable to attend in person, she would watch daily mass on tv.
She will be deeply missed, but always in our daily thoughts. She was the heart of our family and is survived by her children, Linda Quesnelle (Mike), Joe Rigato (Cathy), and Carla Rigato (Cynthia). Grandchildren Cole MacDonald (Kate), Nicole Komar (Steve), and Darren Rigato (Jen). Sisters, Doris Stzurm, Anita Sawchuk, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Carlo, her parents, and 7 siblings.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday December 7, 2022 at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church on Red River Road. Visitation will be at 9:30am with the funeral mass beginning at 10am. A celebration of Mom’s life will follow after mass at the Oliver Road Recreation Center, 563 Oliver Road.
If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Canadian Lung Association or the charity of your choice.
Mom was a beautiful person both inside and out and although she will be missed terribly, she will remain in our hearts forever.
