Obituary of Rita Bourgeois, New Waterford

It is with sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, Rita (Roach) Bourgeois, 88, on November 3, 2019 at Seaview Manor, Glace Bay.

Born in New Waterford, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Marie (Chiasson) Roach. 

Rita was a long-time member of St. Leonard's Parish, formerly Mount Carmel. At the tender age of 16, she moved to Toronto to live with her sister, Lucy. Five years later, after returning home, she met and married our father, Willie Bourgeois. Throughout her life, Rita became a caretaker; first for her mother, then, her husband. At the young age of 50, Rita found herself as a widow. Rita continued on her journey, enjoying life to the fullest; making skating friends at our local rinks, travelling friends on bus tours, dancing and exercise friends at the New Waterford Legion and recently making friends with staff at Seaview Manor. She will be deeply missed by all whom she leaves behind.

Surviving are daughters, Amelia Fisher, Willena (Robert) Gregor, Michelle (Regis - deceased) Allard and Celeste (Paul) Naas; sister, Lucy Bourgeois; grandchildren, Michael (Hilary), David (Sarah) Fisher, Kristen (Ted), Matthew Gregor, Megan (Marc) Lyons, Amanda (Michael) Allard; great-grandchildren, Hanna, Riley, Emmett Lyons, Ellie, Aidan, Addison, Harrison, Hudson Fisher and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Rita was predeceased by her husband, Willie; daughter, Jennifer; brothers, John, Hubert and Wilfred; sister, Clara; son-in-law, Regis. 

The family want to thank New Waterford Homecare and VON for their wonderful care in helping keep our mom in her apartment until the the last two years. She then moved to her new home, Seaview Manor, who welcomed her with care, compassion and love; we are so ever grateful.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 7, from 4-8 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will take place Friday, November 8, 2019 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at St. Leonard's Parish Hall, Convent Street, New Waterford. Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.