Rita Bernadette MacAulay (née McGuinness)
Rita Bernadette MacAulay (née McGuinness) passed away early in the morning on June 22, 2022 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto surrounded by her family. She will be lovingly remembered by her large family including her sisters Joan Grace, Dorothy Darker, and Vera Hutchinson; her children Barbara Rodriguez (Javier), Anne Powell (David), Robert MacAulay (Linda), and David MacAulay; her grandchildren Matthew Rodriguez (Lesley), Laura Rodriguez (Dan), Dylan and Alana MacAulay, and Siobhan (Vincent) and Lara Powell; her great-grandchildren Charlotte and Emma Tuer and Nora Rodriguez; and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Cornelius and Kathleen McGuinness, and her siblings Dominic, Billy, Paddy, Tommy, Francie, Nuala, and Deirdre.
Rita was born on August 4th, 1931 in Dublin, Ireland. One of 11 children, her life in Ireland was full of fun with her family. She so enjoyed going to the theatre and trips to the beach. And years later would light up recalling nights out dancing in great detail.
When Rita came to Canada in 1956 several of her sisters and brothers were already here. Rita spent 66 years of her life in Toronto, but kept Ireland in her heart always. She stayed close with those back home and never missed an opportunity to pass down Irish traditions to her family in Canada.
She had a big heart full of life and love. She had a wonderful sense of fun, often teasing about making mischief. And she had this quick Irish wit that would catch you by surprise.
She adored a good tune and was always singing, especially her favourite songs like Over In Killarney and It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.
Rita was incredibly generous, gentle, and wise, qualities she shared in abundance with those in her life. She loved spending time with family and always looked forward to regular visits and long phone calls. She cared deeply about each of us, kept careful notes to keep up with all our latest news, and never missed a birthday.
Our beautiful Rita Bernadette, we will miss you tremendously.
A service will be held in her honour on Saturday June 25, 2022 at 12:00 pm at Blessed Sacrament Church, 24 Cheritan Ave, Toronto, ON M4R 1S4. A small reception will follow. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com. The service will be available online at https://www.youtube.com/c/BlessedSacramentToronto. Our sincere gratitude to the staff at Kensington Gardens and St. Michael’s Hospital. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in memory of Rita Bernadette MacAulay please consider Sunnybrook Hospital or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Offer Condolence for the family of Rita Bernadette MacAulay (née McGuinness)
Paul McGuinness
Our most sincere condolences to the rest of the family. My mother, spoke often about Rita and the rest of my father’s (Paddy McGuinness) family. My Dad spoke of Aunt Rita often as well. According to him, she was quite a character! May she rest in peace.
Paul & Tanja McGuinness and daughters Deirdre and Bronwyn and sons Owen and Brendon.
Doug, Erin, Benjamin and Ava Grace
Aunt Rita,
You were an amazing beautiful person and an integral piece in both my and my families life. From my memories of taking us in when the Mississauga Train derailed to your sharp wit and common delight in “stirring the pot”. You are in nearly all of my memories of our extended family. You will be as sadly missed as your Christmas chocolate macaroons.
You are loved and missed.
Michelle Keogh Leeming
Dear Anne,
I’m so so sorry for the loss of your mother. It is never easy to loose a parent, it doesn’t matter what age we are. It seemed she had a good and long life and I know she had a good daughter. My sincere condolences my dear friend to you and your family.
Love and thinking of you!!
Hugs Michelle
Dorothy Darker
My Darling sister Rita, our family is shrinking. Only three left from the original eleven. Myself, Joan and Vera. You were always my favourite sister. Even the mighty Atlantic could not separate us. You were kind, trusting, and funny. Your four wonderful children will really miss you. Barbara and Anne took such special care of you, with David and Robert there also. My own family send you their love and support. Love from your sister, Dorothy. Slan abhaile.