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RITA MAUREEN DOERR
Born: Oct 03, 1955
Date of Passing: Jan 16, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRITA MAUREEN DOERR
It is with a loving heart and deep sadness that we announce after a long struggle with the pulmonary complications of her scleroderma Rita died, surrounded by her family singing some of her favourite songs.
She has gone to join her parents, Pat and Elizabeth; her older sisters, Shelagh and Mary-Lou; her father and mother-in-law, Ron and Annette, who had 3 boys and said a huge prayer of thanks when she joined their family.
Known and loved as Gramma, mother, sister, friend and wife she touched all who knew her with her generous and loving spirit.
Rita was always a singer. She sang as she rode her bicycle as a 5 year old in a voice she believed no one could hear. She sang in school with her girlfriends, and in church as a founding member of the 9 PM mass at St. Ignatius, and as the Goddess of Love in the St. Mary's Academy Glee Club presentation of Orpheus and Euridice. She also sang in musical productions at Kelvin High School, and at countless weddings and funerals. She sang at home and at the lake with family and friends. Even after scleroderma took her singing voice, she could still supply a harmony line with her remaining 5 or 6 note range.
She raised 5 children, improved and taught the boy she met in high school, smoothing his rough edges and softening his heart with her love.
Family and friends were everything to Rita. Her children Melanie (Olford), Taylor, Tim, Emily and Austin each saw a piece of that love. Many of their friends also saw Rita as chosen family. Her nine grandchildren Willow, Prairie, Temple, Olive, Sage, Alex, Ivy, Kathryn and Avery each received a piece of that love and as her hair greyed and her arms hugged, her love became ever deeper and stronger.
Despite her health declining, she continued to deepen in wisdom. She lived with the most joy and love each day offered. She showed her family and all who knew her a love without condition or judgement.
Rita lived with gratitude and wanted all her caregivers to know how much she valued their expertise and support. Her family physician Dr. Candace Bradshaw, Dr. Kevin Brown at Cancer Care, Dr David Robinson at the Rheumatology Clinic, Dr Zoheir Bshouty at the pulmonary hypertension clinic, Dr Mark Barker ENT, the Palliative Care program and the many doctors and nurses who cared for her in the Grace ICU in the fall of 2023.
Rita insisted we have a back yard music concert after discharge from that ICU admission which she called her RINDY (Rita is Not Dead Yet). This was a magical evening of family, friends and neighbours singing and dancing, exactly what she wanted. We were blessed with 2 more RINDY celebration concerts in the subsequent years, thanks to the grace of God and modern medicine.
May the heavenly chorus welcome their new singer who once again has the voice of that young girl, who sang with the freedom of someone who believed no one was listening. You can rest now in the loving arms of a smiling God.
Rita's celebration of life will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford Street, followed by a gathering in the church hall afterwards.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2026
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Rita was so loved and will be greatly missed by her surviving siblings and in laws: her two sisters; Catherine Kelly and Elizabeth ( Don Hoole) and her three brothers, Michael (Doreen), John ( Cathie) and Tim ( Elaine). I would like to thank our big sister Catherine (Kitty) for her dedication to caring for our youngest sister. She would visit Rita on a daily basis giving Jeff respite, attending to Rita's needs and challenging Rita to games to keep her spirits up. Rita was a bright light and a beloved auntie to her nieces and nephews, many of whom will be travelling to Winnipeg to share in her celebration of life. - Posted by: Elizabeth Anne Hoole (sister) on: Jan 25, 2026
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We first got to know about Rita at the 9 pm mass where their band ‘Intercession of St Ignatius’ played. They were incredibly uplifting and inspirational. When we got married in 1982 Rita and Jeff played the music at our ceremony, with Fr Vince McGrath officiating. Rita’s voice was so pristine and melodic. The ceremony was simple but Rita’s voice was what rang out so beautifully. Rita has touched our souls - we can still hear her. Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of a loved family member and friend. May Rita rest in peace and may her life be a beautiful memory to cherish. - Posted by: Mark & Judy Ahrens-Townsend (Parishioner at St Ignatius) on: Jan 25, 2026
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Rita was a highly valued member of our extended family. Her loss is significant for us all who had the priviledge of having her love in our lives. My wife Elizabeth would talk with Rita weekly especially in the last 4 years. Conversations usually were about the family as Rita was always interested in her children, grandchildren but also the lives of all her relatives and friends. Her friends were very loyal to her as she was to them.Rita had a gift. She accepted people as they were not as society may like them to be.She only wanted the best for others and she totally recognized that humans of every stripe wrestled with life.She fought hard to remain present for her family even in the midst of fighting for her every breath.Rita brought joy into our world and will be remembered in our hearts for that gift. - Posted by: Donald Hoole (brother in law) on: Jan 24, 2026
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We are heart broken to hear of Rita’s passing. As she did with everyone, Rita touched our lives in the most lovely way. Some of our fond memories of Rita include dinners and evenings spent at their place or ours, usually involving wine, and amazing times spent in their hot tub, even in January, where we were often treated to a personal concert under the stars, by Rita, and where we solved the problems of the world. In her presence, we always felt loved and accepted…never judged. Singing with the angels now and missed by us all, always. - Posted by: Glenda and Giuseppi (Friends) on: Jan 24, 2026
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I met with Jeff and Rita many years ago as my eldest son's parents-in-law - I have always been impressed with Rita's strength, love and compassion - she and Jeff took in my son as one of their own - everyone who knew her could see what a beautiful soul she had - She leaves behind many beautiful memories of life's journey - She stood strong and family and friends are what kept her going - may God be with the family in this most grievous moment of their lives. - Posted by: Doreen Winsor (Jaret's mother) on: Jan 24, 2026