Obituary of Rita Marie O'Halloran

February 10, 1953 – Biggar, Saskatchewan

January 26, 2023 - Rocky View County, Alberta

Rita O'Halloran of Rocky View County, AB, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at the age of 69 at home surrounded by family and her beagles.

Born in Biggar, SK, Rita is remembered by family and friends for her love of family, her warm and open home, her love of playing cards, and her beagles. For almost 20 years, Rita competed with and bred beagles. She was most proud of her performance work in Agility, Obedience, Rally, Scent Hurdling, and Nosework. She and her dogs excelled in everything. She had National Specialty winners in Canada and the United States. One of her biggest joys was working with her beagles—proving wrong all of those who didn’t believe a beagle was capable! She was blessed to pursue her passion so fully.

Rita is survived by her daughter Kara O’Halloran (Cameron) of Edmonton, AB and son Christopher O’Halloran (Sarah) of Calgary, AB; her grandchildren Layton, Brock, Evan, and Forest; her sister Berniece Hall (Jack) of Kelowna, BC; her brothers Dennis Gerard (Dayna) of New Glasgow, PEI, Ross Gerard (Jennifer) of Blind River, ON, and Terry Gerard (Petra) of Victoria, BC; her numerous nieces and nephews; and her beagles Lacey, Tessa, and Dylan.

She was predeceased by her husband Douglas O’Halloran; parents Alex and Coletta Gerard; and her beagles Spencer, Taylor, Clover, Duke, and Madison.

The family wishes to thank the rural palliative care nurses who assisted in keeping Rita at home.

A memorial service will be celebrated at St. Paul’s Catholic Church (1305 Main Street S., Airdrie, Alberta) on January 30, 2023, at 12:30pm with a reception to follow at the Church.  A private interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Lethbridge, AB, at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca.  Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Rita O’Halloran, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.