Margarita (Rita) passed away peacefully on November 20th, 2025, at the age of 96, bringing an end to a long and full life. While her final years were marked by the slow decline of dementia, the family asks that she be remembered for her infectious laughter, love for music, and devotion to her family.

Rita was born in Gomel, Russia. During WWII, Rita, at a young age was separated from her parents, and survived the brutal conditions of war. After the war she immigrated to Calgary where she met and married her husband, Frank in 1948. They both started their new life and raised their family together in the district of Inglewood. 

She will be greatly missed and forever remembered. She is survived by her loving son, George (Judy), grandsons, Gregory and Jason (Renée), granddaughter, Stella; son Daniel, granddaughter, Tina, great grandchildren, Ethan, Madelyn and Amy; grandson, David, great grandchildren, Brycal, Ashley, Ian and Meika and great great grandchildren, Autumn, Dayton, Danny and Raine. Rita also leaves behind her sister, Vera who lives in Russia. Rita was predeceased by her husband, Frank, and her youngest son, Ken.

In her leisure time, Rita enjoyed travelling, reading and dancing to “good” music (especially with her husband, Frank). Music, whether listening to Andre Rieu or Frank Sinatra and going to a music concert, held a special place in her heart! She was a wonderful cook and everyone loved her bigos, chiliquilies and her crepes, just to name a few. She enjoyed cherished moments spent with family and good friends.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrating Rita’s life will be held on Friday, December 05, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish in Cochrane, AB. Rita will be cremated and her ashes laid to rest in the Cochrane Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hawthorne Health Facility here in Cochrane. (Canadian Registered Charity)