We Remember
KILMARTIN, Rita
January 16, 1932 — September 7, 2022
Rita passed away peacefully with family by her side on September 7, 2022 at Kelowna General Hospital in Kelowna, BC.
Rita was predeceased by her husband Robert (Bob) in 2010; her parents Henry and Caroline Janzen and brother Norman Janzen (all of Youbou, BC); daughter-in-law Sharon Kilmartin; and her son-in-law Murray Roed.
She is survived by her children Brenda Fraser (Rob), Debra Roed, Katherine Kilmartin (JD), Stephen Kilmartin (Lorraine), Kerry Kilmartin, Jeffrey Kilmartin (Sonya), and Glenn Kilmartin; and by her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her children were important to her, her grandchildren as well. Her great grandchildren were of special importance and always put a smile on her face, particularly as her health declined. Rita is also survived by her sister Carol Peterson (Jim); brothers Gerry and Richard Janzen and sister in-law Barbara Janzen (all of Lake Cowichan); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Rita was born in Huallen, Alberta on January 16, 1932. The Janzen family relocated to Shawnigan Lake, BC and in 1934 settled in Youbou, BC where she spent her school years. Rita was active in sports with a competitiveness that remained with her; particularly in latter life as she took part in two of her passions, golf and bridge.
Rita married Bob on October 9, 1953 in New Westminster, BC. Bob worked for many years in the forest industry and this took Rita and the family to many locations in BC including New Westminster, Youbou, Gold River, Tahsis (3 times), Squamish, Williams Lake, Burnaby, Kamloops, and Vancouver. Rita and Bob retired to Rivershore Golf Course in Kamloops in 1989. They were both very active within the Rivershore Community. Here she was able to spend time on another passion, her garden. In 2007 they relocated to Missionwood Retirement Resort in Kelowna where Rita lived until 2020. She then moved in with her daughter Debra and son-in-law Murray where she resided until May of this year.
The children of Rita want to thank their sister Debra for the care she and Murray provided. They would like to thank her former long-time physician, Dr. Michael Appleby, the doctors and staff of Kelowna General Hospital, and staffs of Cottonwoods Care Center, Interior Health, and Mountainview Village, all in Kelowna.
A small family gathering will be held in the near future in Kamloops where Rita will reside next to Bob.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
We were friends with Bob and Rita for along time. Enjoyed their compdany in bridge and golf and social gatherings. I knew Rita since our teen years. Having grown up ln Youbou also. Another good person has left us . Our condolence to the family.
Awe Such a beautiful lady a mom Grandma Aunty sister she will be truly missed. May you all find peace at this difficult time.
Lorin and I wish to express our condolences to Aunty Rita’s family. We loved her to the utmost and enjoyed our times with her when we could. We will always remember her laugh and good humor and interest in all our families. May Auntie rest in peace now.
Debbie & family,
We express our deepest condolences on the passing of Rita.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
May your fondest memories soften your and bring you peace and comfort at this time.
May she Rest in Peace in the company of Robert and her friends who have passed before her.
So very sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. We spent many enjoyable hours together with Bob and Rita and will always treasure our friendship. Our condolences to the family and our thanks for including us in the celebration of Rita’s recent birthday.
I had always felt a camaraderie and friendship with Rita in the times we would meet up for a game of bridge. Though we never really met outside our games, Rita had always been close to my heart. My sincerest condolences to her family and I wish you strength and peace during her passing.
Rita and Bob were our first neighbours when we moved to Kamloops. They were very kind and helpful to us. We always thought of Rita as being a true LADY.
We think of them every day as we see Mount Martin from our living room window. We always used it as a weather indicator.