Rita Darnell

Our deepest sympathies with the passing of Rita. She was a pleasure to be around and a classy woman. We appreciated her support of our football program. We're here for you Coach Darnell, our condolences to you and your family with the passing of Rita. Greg Marshall, Chris Bertoia and the Western Mustangs Football Program

We are so very sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. Rita was a colleague of mine at Medway HS where her friendly face and smile will be missed by so many. She was a wonderful lady and teacher. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.

I am so sorry to hear that Rita has passed. She was a very kind and spontaneous person who will not be forgotten. I enjoyed working for awhile at Medway with her --she was a wonderful teacher and friend-- but more importantly, I was grateful for her support during my own medical struggles. Her attitude was inspirational. I will always remember her big smile. Peace be with her family and friends.

Dear John and family, I have just learned of Rita's passing. I never had the pleasure of meeting Rita, you and your family. I know Rita's mother Iolanda. My family and I have known Iolanda from Italy for many years. I'm sure Rita was a warm, kind, loving, giving, and strong courageous individual. I feel at a loss not having met Rita and her supportive loving family. I have cared for cancer patients and their families as a nurse, my deepest condolences to you your family and mother-in-law Iolanda. Although we never met I feel close to your family. My prayers are with you and your family. God grant you strength and courage. Elena Sylvestre (Annibale) 285171 CountyRoad 10, Amaranth Ontario L9W 0Y8

Dear John and family, my sincere condolences for your great loss. Having taught with Rita for the past 15 years, I was fond of her wit and humour. She was a great colleague for a rookie to learn from and her courage was inspiring. It is a great loss for the Medway's community. Veronika Intini & family

It is truly so sad to hear this news. I was fortunate enough to have had Ms. Darnell in my grade 10 year seven years ago. I sat right in front of her desk the entire year, and we shared many wonderful talks because of that. She was always fair and full of kindness and humility. I was very fond of her, and she felt like a motherly figure to me during that time. Although I was very poor at math, she always made me feel as though I could excel if I put the right effort in, and she was right. She was caring, genuine, and a great leader. I am thankful for the time we shared. So very sorry for the loss of this wonderful woman. She will be missed by the Medway community.

To John and family we send to you our condolences. We were saddened to see the posting in Thames Valley System. I shall always keep a memory of her great smile, her wit and her friendship in the Virtual Academy. May your best memories keep her close to your hearts too. May you have found PEACE - Rita!

My deepest sympathy at Rita's passing . Thinking of you and the family at this time. Her love will always be with you ! She will be missed greatly .

Our thoughts are with you John, and with your family. Rita was a good friend and teacher who positively touched the lives of so many over the years. We will miss her smile and treasure the memories.

Dear John and Family, Our hearts are aching for you and your family. It is difficult to understand why such a wonderful woman could be taken so early. Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, but LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal.

It's final Jeopardy and the answer is "She was one of the classiest ladies around." "Who was Rita Darnell?" "That's the correct answer. How much did you wager?" " All of it Alex!!!" Miss you Rita, love Jim and Soyeong

We are so saddened by the loss of dear Rita. She was an amazing, strong and kind woman. She did so much for the Thunderbirds, and as one of the parents said a couple of years ago, "there can be no thunder without lightning", meaning John and Rita together were the force of course of the Thunderbirds!!!!! Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with you John and all your family. Love from, Mario, Lori, Nick, Jason, and Lauren Morello

We are greatly saddened to hear that Rita has passed. Throughout our contact with John and Rita in their football program, we were touched by her kind spirit and strength. Rita was truly a lovely person and will be missed by many. Our condolences to you Coach Darnell and your family. Roy, Clare, & Josh Clausen.

Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Rita. Over the years we heard about the battle that Rita fought with courage and dignity from Lucy, Rita's sister. Although we did not know Rita, our thoughts are with the family at this most difficult time.

Hi John. Thinking of you in your time of loss.

Mrs. Darnell was my math teacher two years ago and made me love the subject that most people were not fond of. She always pushed her students to do more and to be a better student. She was amazing in the way that she taught as she formed her lessons fit everyones different learning styles. She continued to be a teacher that I would stop in the halls and talk to for ten minutes about anything. Whenever I saw Mrs. Darnell I told her how much she helped me understand what was going on and how much I appreciated her time and patience, not only with me, but our entire class as we were a handful. I remember how much she hated us having food in class and yet she jumped on the idea of a potluck once it was mentioned. Mrs. Darnell will be missed immensely throughout Medway and the community for years to come, and as I am unable to attend the visitation I wish her family my deepest condolences and sympathy, she helped me through problems that seemed too great for my understanding as this is one for you know and I only hope you will be able to find an answer, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

My deepest sympathy to the entire family. Mrs. Darnell was such an inspiring and motivating teacher who touched the lives of her students. Thank you for being such a blessing in the lives of your students Mrs. Darnell, you'll be missed! My condolences to friends and family.

Our deepest sympathy in Rita's death to all the family. Even though we are in New Brunswick, our thoughts and prayers are with you all

In time like these, there are no words of comfort, but to stay strong for the ones we have close to is. Please accept our deepest condolences. Giosue Annibale & family

Our prayers, and thoughts are with you. and family. Please accept our deepest condolences. Giuseppe & Brigida Rita (Annibale) Toronto,ontario

John, so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. My children and I send our condolences and will pray for you and your family.

Thinking of you all, you are very strong. All our prayers. C

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

Thanks for being a great teacher. Rest in piece Mrs. Darnell.

Coach Darnell Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Rita was one special lady, always putting others first. She will be missed by many. God bless you and give you the strength to get through this difficult time. Love The Ginn Family.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Rita for many years. Her integrity and passion are what I will remember. What a great loss for all who knew her.

John and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

John, thinking of you and your family at this very sad time.12422

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Coach Darnell and family, please accept our condolences. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.

May peace and love, help to heal this difficult time in life. Our Condolences to you Coach and the Darnell Family

I had "Ms. Contasti" for grade 9 advanced math and really enjoyed her sense of humour, especially when it came to math concepts. She will be greatly missed; her family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

Coach Darnell, We are Very Sad at the News of Rita's Passing. She was a Special Lady and we feel Blesssed that we had the Chance to Meet Her. Our Thoughts are with you.

As a former student, I wish to express my deep sympathies to Ms. Contasti's family. She was a remarkably patient woman with a wonderful sense of humour. Best wishes to you all in this difficult time.

John, Rick and I met Rita during your W Club years. Her big smile and warm friendliness remain vivid memories. We are so sorry to hear about her passing. From the bottom of our hearts, we offer our sympathy and condolences to you and your family.

I had the privilege of working alongside Rita for twenty years and I can attest to her love of the profession, her dedication to her students and her warm and welcoming personality. John, Rita will be sorely missed by all who had the luck to have known her. My prayers are with you and your family.

Dear John and family, Please accept our deepest regrets at Rita's passing. Her long and arduous fight with Cancer taught our children to never quit, and never give up - the same sentiments John that you taught Jake in the field, Rita taught both Jake and Marissa (among generations of others) in the classroom. She expected her students to perform their best and in many cases, to raise their expectations of themselves. She touched so many in more ways than can be counted. Try to find peace in that her legacy will live on. Our prayers are with you. Lou, Jacki, Marissa and Jake Fraggis

Dear John - Coach Darnell, and family, we offer our deepest condolensces! Rita's sense of humour and grace will be profoundly missed! We've been thinking of her and praying for her. She's had a tremendously positive impact on allot of young Thunderbirds and parents alike! Our prayers are with you Coach and your family. Carol, Jack, Eric, and John Kys.

Dear Coach Darnell, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Dave

My deepest condolences John to you and your family. I helped my wife fight her fight for 10 years losing her two years ago. These are incredibly tough women to fight the fight and will never be forgotten and always loved. Your friend always, Dan

Dear John We are travelling in BC and just heard the very sad news. Rita was a very special person for bpth of us. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. All our love, Bill and Kenna

Coach, so sorry for your loss. Rita was a wonderful lady and you two made a wonderful couple. She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love PJ, Christine, Ashley, and Tait.

Dear John and family, Our heart breaks to hear the news of Rita's passing. Rita was a great elearning teacher and we shared many laughs as we learned new things together. We enjoyed getting together with you and Rita, John. . Our prayers and thoughts are with you We will miss the "realness" of Rita. No pretence. She never wanted any fanfare....Rita you will be missed.

Coach Darnell, just want you to know that I am thinking of you and praying for you and your family.

My dear friend Rita. I cherish the memories of the times we shared. It was a pleasure to know you.

What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us. -Helen Keller Peace, Prayers and Blessings to Rita and her Family and Friends. San & Stef

Oh John....we are so sorry to hear about Rita. We both fondly remember her from South Pacific and from Medway. Lots of love and positive thoughts coming your way. Take care.

I am so sorry to hear that Rita has passed away. I met her through the Gilbert and Sullivan Society many years ago. She was a wonderful person.

Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of Rita. She fought a difficult fight. She certainly was an important part of Medway and will be greatly missed. John, you are in my thoughts and prayers Sincerely. Nancy Hudson, former secretary at Medway.2010

I was lucky to work with Rita as one of a small group of start-up online teachers many years ago. She was so thoughtful and funny. I will miss her. I send my condolences, best thoughts and wishes to John and the rest of her family.

I was fortunate enough to have "Ms. Contasti" for the last 2 months of grade 9 math at Medway. I will remember her as one of the good ones!

Dear John, yours was a beautiful love story that I remember well through Gilbert & Sullivan. Rita was such a wonderful, kind, and caring person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." ~ Lao Tzu

Thank you, Mrs. Darnell, for making me fall in love with math. It's meant so much to me and I think it's a terrible shame that future generations of Medway students will be denied your tutelage. May you rest in peace.

Mrs. Darnell you helped me get started on what was to be a long and hard journey of getting my nursing degree. You always believed that I could do it and pushed me to never give up! I will always remember my teacher in grade 9 math who inspired me to fall in love with math! I am happy that I was able to be apart of your class! Rest in peace Mrs. Darnell you will be missed.

I am so sorry for this news. I did not know Ms. Darnell well. I was only her student for part of a semester. I think I was in her final class. She was good at what she did and although not extravagant in her mannerisms, she taught and taught well not just the subject matter but how to carry oneself in the world. Thank you to her family for sharing her with the Medway Community.