Rita Agnes Faught
July 29, 2015
Rita Agnes Faught (nee McDonald) passed away on July 29, 2015 peacefully at the Chartwell Gardens Long Term Care Residence in London, Ontario at the age of 95. Cremation has taken place and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church in Lansdowne, Ontario in September. Born February 28, 1920, Rita was raised in Lansdowne, Ontario, daughter of the late William and Margaret (nee Goodfriend) McDonald. It was in Lansdowne where she met the love of her life, Basil Faught. They were lovingly married on June 19, 1948 by Basil’s brother, Rev. Donald Faught. Through their romantic journey together, Rita and Basil raised 7 children who enjoyed their complete and devoted attention: George (Diane), Luanne Stiel (Jim), Carolyn Borland (Wayne), Mary Leigh, Jim, the late Bob (Marguerite) and Lynne. Proud Nana to 14 Grandchildren: Tim Faught, Sean Faught, Kevin Faught, Dr. Jill Starkes, Dr. Matt Borland, Greg Palmer, Sarah Stiel, Matt Stiel, Erin Faught, Shelley Faught, Meghan Faught, Ryan Faught, Shannon Faught and John Kelly. She dearly loved all of her 8 Great Grandchildren: Benjamin Basil, William, Brianna, Isabelle, Jack Basil, Ellis, Nora and Evelyn. Predeceased by her husband William Alfred Basil in 1999 and her son Robert Basil in 2011. Building a life together in Sarnia, Rita and Basil continued to ensure there was love and grace in their home. Mom devoted her life to family and was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones. Rita was a positive, quiet gentle woman with a prayerful presence. Her steadfast faith, wisdom and good common sense enriched our lives through her examples of cooking, gardening, reading and needlework. Life’s struggles and lessons experienced as a family were made easier by Mom encouraging us onward with great faith. She was open with her love and affection for everyone while teaching us to be forgiving and kind to all. She enjoyed spending time in her delightful backyard gardens on East Street and with the many friends fostered through both Ontario and Sarnia Hydro, especially longtime friends Stan and Wyn Ryan. She was also a proud parishioner and volunteer at St. Peter’s Catholic Church for over 50 years. Mom generously volunteered yearly as a canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society, and was active in Church and community organizations. Mom carried out her civic duty assisting during many elections. In her later years, she demonstrated grace and courage as she developed Macular Degeneration leading to complete blindness. She never lost her desire for literature and reading good books and stayed current through talking books/magazines and the CBC. Gratitude is extended to the CNIB for their assistance in her adjustment period. Her twinkling blue eyes, squeeze of the hand and warm smile will be sadly missed. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations in Rita’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society or the CNIB.
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Rita was warmth, humor, kindness, and rooted steadiness in a tiny, fiery package! I am so grateful to have had the privilege of meeting her. She was a beautiful woman and, Carolyn, she lives on in you. You are all in my prayers as you both celebrate and grieve your mom. May God bless and hold you all close in the days to come.
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your mother Rita (spelled with an “i”, as my mom points out!) My mom (Reta — with an “e”!) recalls her as an extremely friendly and generous woman. When my mom and dad first moved to Cecil Street, they found their property almost backed on to your East St. residence. Their first winter, your mom called my mom and told her my brothers, Wayne and Darryl, were invited to their ample backyard winter rink any time they wanted. This was a most welcome invitation and spoke to Rita’s amicability, which my mom was very grateful for (it wasn’t until a few years later the Griffin clan created their own rink! Not as nice as yours, mind you...) It’s remarkable to our family of five that your mom and dad were able to raise such a huge brood in such a tiny house. Mom was also touched by the huge Canadian flag you kids raised in your backyard for your dad’s funeral. MY mom just wanted you to know that she thought YOUR mom was just a “lovely, lovely woman” and we all send our condolences. P.S. Mom also wanted to mention that son Jim was the “best paperboy EVER!” (with other son Bob a close runner-up, and again sorry for your loss there too.)
Our deepest sympathies to the Faught family. After years of distance we were so happy to have had the opportunity to spend time with our Aunt Rita here in Sarnia before she moved to London. Spending time with her reminded me of those great summers when Uncle Basil and Aunt Rita and their children came to Lansdowne. With the station wagon fully loaded our wonderful Aunt Rita and her gentle laugh arrived to share vacation time. She and Basil raised a wonderful family and she was so proud of all her children and grandchildren. An amazing woman and an Aunt truly loved. There is no doubt her memory will live on in all our hearts. There will be both special prayers and memories re-visited when we next visit St. Patrick's. Ray & Brenda
To The Faught Family Will always have fond memories of your mother, & her many years living @ Residence on the St. Clair. She had a kind & gentle way about her. She was always happiest when one of her children where coming for a visit, or on a Sunday when she knew she would have a phone all from each one of you. Sending my condolence to the entire family. Thinking of Rita will always make me smile. I know your memories of your mom will also make you smile.
Lynne, my deepest sympathies to you, John and your family. You often spoke about your Mom and she sounded like a very warm and caring person. I know you will always miss her as I still miss my own Mom after 23 years. Keep memories of her in your heart always. Hugs, Lorraine
(Donated to CNIB)
(Donated to CNIB)
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I am very sorry to here of your mother's passing. I am the daughter of Muriel and Curly Henry. I can remember going to your childhood home on East Street and skating on the backyard rink. It was always cold outside but so nice and warm inside with lots of kids, fun and laughter. I would also like to thank Carolyn for the care taken of my mother during her illness while in London at the time (2001 - 2003). Again, I am so sorry for your loss, your memories will last through the years. Sandra Lamourea (Henry)
~ Sandra Lamourea (Henry)