Obituary of Katheleen Rita Major

MAJOR, Katheleen Rita (nee Silvester)

October 22, 1931 - Belvedere, Alberta

October 24, 2021 - Chestermere, Alberta

Rita passed away suddenly and peacefully at home on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at the age of 90 years with her husband Don by her side as he has been for 69 years.

Rita worked in banking for many years at one time being credited for being “quietly effective”. Rita and Don had been developing plans to go to Japan as Missionaries when she developed TB. Rita spent five years in the sanitarium in Edmonton with a short period at home, when she became pregnant with their son Doug. She was quickly sent back to the sanitarium where she was also forced to not have time with their young son. Don missed only one day in that whole time visiting her faithfully every day. Despite this difficult time, they went on to have a daughter Shirley moving to Sundre, then to Olds, and Calgary finally settling in Chestermere.

Mom and Dad always had a love story, but they also created fun and loved memories for Doug and Shirley. Don, Doug, and Shirley spent four hours together earlier this week spinning tales and memories. That night is such a tribute to Mom, and she would have loved to be part of it and perhaps she was…. sitting in her chair and watching with love the family she created and held together with everything she had to give.

She was a wonderful and diligent Mom, Grandma and GiGi. She was also a loving and supportive wife, and will be missed for her guidance and support to Don and then Shirley in business.

Besides her loving husband, Rita is survived by her children Shirley and her family, and Doug and his family. Rita is also survived by her younger brothers Ray (Audrey) and Walter (Heather); and sisters-in-law Viola and Vi; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Rita wished to acknowledge her special friendships with Stan and Jenny Major, Pat Major and Diane LaRouech. Rita was predeceased by her parents, her older brothers, Stan and his wife Doris, Harold and Ken.

In Celebration of Rita’s life, family and friends are invited to attend a private open house on Saturday November 6^th, 2021 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Those wishing to attend are invited to contact the family for location details. For the health of all in attendance, the family requests, and the venue requires, proof of vaccine.

Shirley wishes to thank the grandsons Cory, Chris and Brad, as well as the granddaughters Candice, Monica, Kayla and Tammy for their assistance in planning, preparations and most importantly their emotional support since Mom passed.

In living memory of Rita Major, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.