To Rita’s family,

we were saddened to hear at Trinity Church this morning that Rita had died. She was a beloved and admired person, and added to all our lives with her enthusiasm, love of life and deep faith in God. Our sympathy to all the family

Love

David and Betty Ross

St. Bruno

As a teacher at Champlain College, St-Lambert, I had the good fortune of working with Rita from the

late seventies through the eighties on several campus committees. In retrospect, I regard my service with her as an extended “happy tutorial,” in which I witnessed her consistent good sense, warm humour, and calm efficiency in dealing with the academic tasks at hand. But her formative influence went far beyond personal associations; it touched the development of the institution itself into a first-rate academy. Her passing does not sever, but only accentuates, that link,

Those who knew her will regret that she could not have been near us in retirement, so that we might have continued to benefit from her priceless qualities. She will for me always occupy a central place in the gallery of friendships that Champlain St-Lambert helped to build.

May her family be pleased to accept my deepest condolences.

Robert Russo

While visiting with a former colleague this past Sunday I asked about Rita. We didn’t know she was ailing. I have the fondest memories of her and consider her one of my strongest mentors. She was principled, energetic, fearless and devoted. My condolences to her family, the source of so much pride. That laugh will stay with me and will comfort you as well. Deborah Paris-Herbert

I knew Rita in my capacity as a teacher at Champlain College, St. Lambert Campus, in the 1970s. I would see her from time to time to discuss student issues and we worked together on Academic Council. I also worked with her on introducing the IB Diploma Program at the college.

I am very sorry to hear of Rita’s passing – especially at such a young age. I will always remember her for her intelligence, humor and determination. She contribuited a great deal to making the college the successful institution it is today. Those of us who knew and worked with her will miss her.

Please accept my sympathy.

Rita was one of a kind. An excellent colleague on the management team at Champlain and always dedicated to the very best for the students. Her role as the head of Academic Advising was key. My personal interactions with her were always of the highest caliber and we always had lots of fun while engaged in getting the job done.

Her annual visits back to Montreal were great occasions to get reacquainted and updated on the latest CRC news.

She touched many people’s lives at the College and will be missed.

Deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

My deepest condolences to the family.

Our deepest family condolences. I worked with Rita at St. Peter’s for many years. Her smiling face and energy will be greatly missed.

Life is but a stopping place,

A pause in what’s to be,

A resting place along the road,

to sweet eternity.

We all have different journeys.

Different paths along the way,

We all were meant to learn some things,

but never meant to stay…

Our destination is a place,

Far greater than we know.

For some the journey’s quicker,

For some the journey’s slow.

And when the journey finally ends,

We’ll claim a great reward,

And find an everlasting peace,

Together with the lord

author unknown

To the family of Rita Leigh

I had the great pleasure of working with Rita Leigh at Champlain College St. Lambert while I was the Academic Dean during the late 70’s and early 80’s. She was a wonderful and talented person whose legacy lives on at the college – in its care for the students, its commitment to good pedagogy and its high academic standards. In those formative years of the college’s existence, she was instrumental in developing policy and tradition in all three of these critical areas. In addition, thousands of students, hundreds of teachers and many of my fellow administrators remain grateful for the individual guidance that Rita gave us.

Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Alex G. Potter

I was shocked and distressed to hear that Rita, such a vibrant person, had died. She was a true presence at Champlain Saint-Lambert and today word has passed rapidly around the college community and a lot of us are exchanging memories of her.

My sympathies.

Ann McKinnon

A great loss indeed. Rita was in Montreal recently and she looked fine and was her usual bright and sunny self. Hence the shock.

She was a great support for the students and teachers alike at Champlain during her long period of service. She will be greatly missed. Condolences to the her family and friends and may her soul rest in peace and glory.

Rita will be truly missed from our bridge club. I am glad to have been able to care for her during her stay in the hospital in what ever small way I could to bring comfort to her. I know she has a wonderful family and that she will truly missed. My prayers to her family and friends. My sincere condolences to you all.

Miss you Rita

So glad you made it safely home!

You are going to love the funeral- it will be just as you wanted…

We will comfort each other

Love,

Wendy

It was a privilege to have met her and to have spent a bit of time with her. She was a very gracious hostess! My deepest sympathies to all of you.

Even though it is sometimes a release and a relief when someone who has been very sick dies, there is still that hole that they leave in our lives. Praying that the Lord will comfort you all at this time.