We Remember

SMITH, Rita Gay
March 8, 1947 — November 7, 2021
The family is extremely sad to announce that Rita passed away on November 7, 2021.
Born in Edmonton, March 8,1947, to parents Peter and Ada Smith, Rita was a poet, songwriter, sister, musician, friend, clown, mother, crafter of all things (of late her “Happy Hats” to people that needed some happiness in their lives). She was also a lover of dogs and horses. Her quick wit got her through some tough times in her life… now it’s our turn to get through this extremely tough time without her, it helps to know that “Reet” is beside us, getting us to laugh!
Rita was predeceased by brother Ken Smith. She leaves to mourn her husband Dave Hannam; her children Shawna, Peter (Colleen) and Jim (Amanda); grandsons Stephen, Keith, Geran and Nashville; granddaughter Katlyn; and great-granddaughter Olive. She will also be missed by her brother Rick (Diana); sister Jayne Conley (Bill); numerous nephews and nieces and their families; her stepson Tim Hannam (Michelle); and her lifelong best friend Ann Phillips.
Thank you to all the nurses and doctors at KGH (even if you can’t sing). While she was at the hospital, even then, she was songwriting.
No formal service will be held, family and friends will honour her, each in their own way.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
We had the pleasure of meeting Rita quite a few times and your wonderful story of her life says it all. Our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Rita, you were the best friend one could ask for. We travelled to Las Vegas and you made the whole trip a blast. We rode horses and took them swimming in the Beaver Pond. So many adventures not enough room here to list. You played piano and entertained us. Heck you’d even tap dance just to get a smile from someone. When you dressed up as Frank for Halloween you had us all in stitches. You made a better Frank than he did. Thanks for trying to teach me to knit and sew. I hope you are in a wonderful resting place and at peace. All your loved ones will be seeing you. Love you 10 miles past Heaven.
Although we never met you in person we thoroughly enjoyed your witty humour three times a week on our zoom “breathing it right” exercise classes. Our thoughts are with you, Dave at this difficult time.
Klaus and Pam
Pete Colleen and extended family please accept our condolences on your loss.
Rita was a wonderful and funny woman
Love Tim and Robin
Mom, I love you sooooo much.
You deserved a funeral. Peter is flying out and celebrate all you were and all you did for us our whole lives. We all got special memories to share about you. Dad’s last words admitted what a genius you were. He also said what an amazing cook you were. Val was soo jealous. He said you could walk on water. I’m so sad but thank you for love and life and your intellect. You were the BEST MOM I COULD HAVE. I miss you every day and talk to you, I hope you hear me. We both cried and professed our love for each other. I thank you for the talents you gave me. Love and kisses momma, GOOD BYE MOMxxxxoooo
Lovely Rita. aka MOM…
I miss you every day.
Wanting to phone you every day like when you were still here.. Love you MOM, was happy to tell you and proud you told me you always loved me to. Mom, you really had a hard life. I have memories of you playing piano at night when i would be in my room of 11066 westridge place. When you played piano, i could often feel the sadness resonate as you played the rose by bette midler.. I was so proud of you as you could do everything. figure skate, tap dance, play the harmonica like a pro!!! I didn’t even know you knew how. Dad said to me before he passed, “your mother walked on water”. He was proud you were such an amazing cook. I told you when you were alive the sadness on his deathbed, of the demise of our family unit. His second wife was very jealous and dad held my hand moments before. He died and talked about you and us kids stating how proud he was canning and cooking with you. I truly recognized regret on the loss of our family u it. He apologized seconds before he took his last breath as a tear rolled down his cheek. I told you what was said with his blessing. He was proud of you mom, and i told you how sad he was about how things turned out. But mom, you were a young mother and you raised you little
Sister with dad as young first time parents after your father died. You were absolutely amazing. Ill miss you and dad forever and hope Jesus has you together. Life is not perfect, but God is. And all will be set right with the Lord.
You were perfect In every way. Love and miss you till we meet again.
Goodbye my mommy. Love and miss you immensely on a daily basis..
Shawna Lee.