Rita Gail Marie Core
October 23, 2025
With deep love and sadness, the family of Rita Gail Marie Core, (née Harris) announces her peaceful passing on October 23, 2025. Rita was the beloved wife of Robert Kenton Core, with whom she shared 62 wonderful years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and devotion to family and community.
Born to Joseph Harris and Rita Harris (née Noel), Rita grew up in a close-knit and loving family that shaped her strong values and compassionate spirit. She was predeceased by her brothers Richard Harris (d. Mary), and James Harris. She is lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Gwen Harris, her sisters Virginia Vanderveen (Rick), Mary McKay, and Joanne Craig (d.Steve), as well as by many nieces and nephews.
Rita will be forever cherished by her children Greg Core (Shanna) and their daughters Brandy and Britney; Rob Core (Barb) and their sons Zachary (Emma) and Evan (Alisa); and Debbie Ryan (Mark) and their children Jake (Arlaina), Meg (Charles), and Chloe (Oscar). She was immensely proud of her grandchildren and took great joy in being an active and loving part of their lives.
Rita dedicated her life to education and was deeply respected as a teacher. Her students adored her for her kindness, patience, and passion for helping every child succeed. Beyond the classroom, Rita lived her faith through her active membership in the Roman Catholic Church and as a devoted member of the CWL.
She also contributed her time and energy to the Seaforth Centenaries, serving as an executive member and loyal supporter. Rita was creative and spirited — she loved ceramics, golf, reading, and a good competitive game of cards. Her warmth, humour, and generosity touched all who knew her.
We would like to sincerely thank Richmond Woods and The Manor Village for their exceptional care and kind staff that has helped us through an emotional time.
The family will have a private funeral service.
The family encourages those who wish to make a donation in Rita’s memory to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.
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We are truly sorry to hear of the passing of Rita. We had the pleasure of meeting Rita when my mom, Anne, was in hospital in January 2025 and shared a room with her. Rita was very kind and helped my mom through a very difficult recovery. We had many conversations with Rita and sensed the deep love she had for her family and also met her husband Bob when he visited her. We also had the pleasure of meeting Greg, Rob and Debbie as one of them was there to visit her every day of her stay in hospital as well as support her husband Bob at home. Rita and my mom were both discharged from hospital on January 24th and made plans to get together for coffee as soon as they were both feeling better. My mom and I spoke with Rita via phone but unfortunately, because of my mom's medical issues they were unable to get together. My mom and I extend our deepest condolences to your family. Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Rita rest in peace and your memories of her be a blessing and give your family peace and comfort.
Mark and Debbie, Sending love and prayers, Rita was always welcoming when I was visiting. She was a lovely lady.
My deepest sympathy to you Robert and the rest of your family
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It was a great pleasure getting to know Rita. If only I had more time with her to laugh and joke because she really had a great sense of humour! I wish she would have let me keep the portrait that she drew of me at Montana's!! She was bound and determined it be destroyed though! lol I'm sorry for your loss, but grateful I got to be a part of her life even though it was brief.
~ Jessie