RITA SYLVESTRE (PETERS)

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RITA SYLVESTRE (nee PETERS) Peacefully, with her family by her side, Rita passed away at St. Boniface Hospital on January 25, 2003, at the age of 71 years. She was predeceased by her grandchild Stephen; her parents; her grandparents (Paradis) and dear aunts, Henriette, Antoinette; and dear uncle Lucien. Rita leaves to cherish her memory one daughter and nine sons, Monique (Bill) Milne, Gilles (Dawna), Richard (Lucille), Alain (Lynn), Denis (Maria Elena), Guy (Valerie), Michel (Valerie), Marc (Cindy), Marcel (Ghislaine) and Paul. She also leaves 20 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Evelyn (Arthur) Casavant and Yolande (Guy) Houle; many nieces and nephews. Rita was born June 1, 1931, to Anna Paradis and Earl Peters in Storthoaks, SK. At the age of three, her mother passed away and she was raised by her grandparents on the Paradis side. She moved to Winnipeg where she met and married Roland in 1951. Roland was her dear, gentle companion for 52 years, and she was so grateful for the privilege of sharing her life with him. Rita was graced with a tender heart, a joyful disposition and an indomitable spirit. Moms open door policy attracted many to come and share in warm conversations and hot coffee. Her smile filled the room with joy and will continue to fill our hearts with warmth. She had many dear friends and relatives and they will always remember her fondly. Through many hardships, Rita sought comfort and strength from her father in Heaven. She loved God above all, and she often said that nothing could ever take her love for God away from her. Rita accumulated great wealth, not in a material sense, but in the deep affection and admiration that we all have for her. Rita has comforted, encouraged and inspired us by her example and she leaves a legacy of profound faith and deep love of God. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 30 at the St. Boniface Cathedral, with Father Paul Campeau presiding. Viewing will take place from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service. A gathering of family and friends will take place immediately following the funeral in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ritas memory to the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Foundation, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6. It is with heartfelt thanks and appreciation the family would like to thank doctors McDougall, Cameron, Alvi and all of the nurses and staff at the St. Boniface Hospital for their care and compassion shown towards Rita. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949; toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 28, 2003