The children of Rita Remegius (Campbell) White are saddened to announce her peaceful passing at the age of 94, on October 7, 2025 in the loving presence of her youngest daughters Louise and Shelley, who went above and beyond to ensure her final days were comfortable and peaceful.

Mum was born to the late Russell and Susan Campbell of Low Point. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband Joe; sisters Theresa, Agnes, Dorothy, Alice and Susan (in infancy) and by brothers Blaise, Donnie, Wick, Russell and Fraser, and son-in-law Brian MacCormick.

She is survived by sons Russell (Mary Ann) and Glenn (Beverly); daughters Marlene (Keith), Agnes (Rick), Claudia (Bill), Louise (Nick) and Shelley (Billy), as well as grandchildren Russell, Melissa, Jason, Justin, Meghan, Robin, Rebecca, Lawrence, Claudia, Laura, Meghan and Jacob, and great-grandchildren Connor, Hadlie, Lexi, Jax, Eli, Lucy, Lexi, Laura, Maya, Reggie, Simone, Theo and Nate, as well as sisters Evelyn and Bernadette and brothers Michael, Bernie and Hilary.

Mum was a woman of small stature and quiet manner, but beneath that exterior lay an abundance of compassion, intelligence and determination; qualities that helped carry her through life’s challenges, not the least of which was being widowed at the age of 46 with seven children. 

It has been said by some that the secret to a long life lies in recognizing and acting upon your passion. Mum found hers in the written and spoken word, and from both she drew solace. From an early age she displayed an affinity for language, becoming a voracious reader and skillfull writer. She instilled in her children and extended family the importance of, and love for, proper grammar, punctuation and the English language, and she shared her enthusiasm for literature of all genres, although her preferences lay with poets and humourists. Everyone knew that if you required confirmation that something sounded correct or was worth reading, Mum was the definitive source of consultation. Her opinion and knowledge carried weight. She did not limit herself to speaking about the value of learning, rather, she personified it. She had a yearning for knowledge and knew the benefits of a good education. To that end, and while continuing to raise her family, she returned to formal schooling, graduating with her Bachelor of Arts at the age of 46 from St. Francis Xavier University in Sydney. It was one of her most satisfying accomplishments and she wore her X-Ring with pride.

Although her roots were in Cape Breton, she had an all-encompassing interest in, and knowledge of, political figures and world events, with her greatest respect and interest reserved for the lives of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama. Over the years our home was a safe haven for countless editions of Time magazine. It was her favourite. As with most people, Mum’s interests were varied. Call her late on any given Saturday evening, or early afternoon on Sunday, and you would quickly be thrown off the phone in favour of the Leafs game or any NFL match up. Her love of sports was passed down to many of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

But sports weren’t the only reason she would cut a call short. Many of us were told countless times, ‘I have to go. Anderson Cooper is coming on.’ Some thought CNN was the only channel her TV had.

While she never enjoyed being the centre of attention, nothing made Mum happier than being surrounded by family and extended family. She made time for everyone. She was always interested in what we had to say and open to the opinions of others. She never judged. She accepted people as they were and recognized everyone had something to offer. She loved family gatherings, whether that was staying at Shelley and Billy’s for the weekend, coming home for Claudia and Bill’s Christmas parties or visiting with Michael and Hilary, sharing stories and laughter.

Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff of Stirling Heights in Cambridge for the dedication and love they showed Mum. She could not have spent her final years in a better place. In addition, the family would like to thank Shannon Drake for the love and companionship she showed to Mum over the years.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at noon all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Father Jim Oliver officiating. A reception will take place in the funeral home with burial to follow in St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Victoria Mines.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ARX Operating LP - Stirling Heights in Cambridge, Ont. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivary.ca.

“We are all reminded that, in the fleeting time we have on this earth, what matters is not wealth or status, or power or fame, but rather how well we have loved and what small part we played in making the lives of others better.”

~ Barack Obama