Rita Mary Bertrand

BERTRAND Rita Mary June 23, 1948 December 22, 2012

It is with great sadness that the family of Rita Mary Bertrand (nee Baker) announces her recent passing on December 22, 2012. Rita, born in Verdun, Quebec on June 23, 1948, passed away peacefully with her family at her side. She will be dearly missed by her husband, Paul; parents, William and Geraldine Baker; and sister, Carol Arnold (Wayne Carpenter). She is lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law, Valerie Canning (husband, John), sister-in-law, Jane Bertrand (husband, Victor Slapsys), and brother-in-law, Jim Bertrand (wife, Karen). Rita leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews who will forever miss their loving Aunt; Laura Wright, Shannon Wright and Derek Baker; Lindsay and Jason Canning; Mick, Willy, and Kendal Slapsys; and Thomas and Brandon Bertrand. The ocean roars and the waves crash onto the shore in rythmic patterns, while the gulls and pelicans swoop above the gentle waves, the ocean begins its dance again, as the dolphins swim and jump amongst the waves – this was home and heart to Rita; a place where she could become whole and settled. She taught everyone who loved her what mattered most – living life, giving to others, and remaining true and strong to the beliefs that ground us. Home, love, friends and family are what Rita cherished and she gave all around her the strength to face any challenges or obstacles that came their way. She faced her own obstacles with the same strength, bravery and courage that most are not able to muster. She is ready to travel to her treasured waters and begin her peaceful journey home. A special heartfelt thanks is extended to Dr. Nizar Bahlis, Marcia Culham, and all the staff from the Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT) Clinic, Medical Daycare Unit and Unit 57 at Tom Baker Cancer Center for the compassionate care provided to Rita. Deepest thanks is also extended to Nexen, and Paul’s personal work colleagues for their continuous support. Thank you to Cheryl and Reg Kopp for your unwavering support to Rita and helping her find comfort and laughter when she needed it most. And finally, but not least, thank you to Carol for your enduring care and love that only a sister could provide. A gathering to celebrate Rita’s life will be held on Saturday December 29th, 2012, from 2:30 – 4:30 pm at the Pierson’s Garden of Peace Chapel (16 Avenue and Garden Road/100 Street N.E.) In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Rita may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation – Multiple Myeloma Research, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331-29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2; telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222; or www.albertacancer.ca/memorial (Rita Bertrand).