Tribute

Rita was born in Vancouver in 1943. When Rita was 3 years old, she went with her mom and dad across Canada while her dad reported on the Canadian Oil story. During the trip her dad interviewed the Chippewa tribe. They were so taken by Rita that they made her a real Indian princess. Her name was Princess Chickadee- short for Chicka-cha-hon-Ashee. The family moved back first to Calgary for less than a year before moving to Vancouver in 1948

She attended Washington State University to become a Kindergarten school teacher. Egon and Rita were married July 1965 in North Vancouver. They moved to Coquitlam, where Egon worked for Dairyland and she was a teacher, in 1971 they bought a campsite close to Bridge Falls, that business venture did not work out well, ” people just do not know how to rough it” and moved up to Lac La Hache. They bought a camp site and general store right on the lake, The Shoreline Resort. Rita and Egon lived in LLH for 35 plus years, raising their kids, enjoying the community, animals and loving every part of the beautiful Cariboo. Community was everything. During this time, both Rita and Egon joined many different clubs and volunteer groups, including the LLH Lions Club, LLH Fire Department, LLH School Christmas Concert.

Both Rita and Egon, gave up their long-time home and community to follow the grandkids to Okanagan where they enjoyed spending time with family and friends, volunteering, reading, painting, and their animals. After Egon passed, Rita joined the Mariposa Garden long term care community. She needed a little extra help and wanted to be in Osoyoos closer to family.  She enjoyed hanging with her daughter, grandsons, and the goats. She loved helping people, playing games, music, crafts and dancing with her friends at Mariposa. Rita was surrounded by wonderful staff, residents, and her companion; Sherry that helped her find the joy in the little things.  She was a superb sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Rita is predeceased by her son Lenny, husband Egon, father Frank, and mother Dale.

She is survived by daughter Kirsten McLean (Len), two grandsons, Brody and Zane, brother Alan Fleming (Deborah)

A Celebration of Life will be held May 13, 2023 at Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos at 1pm. Please rsvp to kirsten.mclean@me.com

Rita’s heart was in the Cariboo and her ashes will be scattered privately in Lac la Hache where she will join Egon.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com