It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that the family of Rita Melchers, age 84 years, announces her passing on May 23, 2010 in St. Joseph's Hospital.
Rita fought a long and courageous battle with every illness that she encountered, never giving up and always letting us know, “ It's ok, it will get better.” She was born Maria Andrea Theresia Baten in s' Hertogenbosch, Holland on May 5, 1926. Rita came to Canada in 1956 to reunite with and marry Joseph Melchers. Throughout her years of marriage, Rita and Joe embarked on many business adventures. Rita and Joe settled in Manitouwadge for 21 years. During this time, they purchased the newspaper business known as “The Echo”. Rita worked diligently piecing together a weekly newspaper, never swaying in her duties as a wife and mother.
In 1977, Rita and Joe moved to Ignace where they began a 15 year adventure as proprietors in the hotel business. Be it a cook, waitress, dishwasher, front desk clerk or caterer, there was not a job that Rita could not handle and that she did not master.
In 1992, Rita and Joe moved to Thunder Bay. It was at that time that Rita finally decided to retire. She was the true definition of “Wonder Woman”. She always worked full time, cooked a full course meal nightly, attended to whatever activities her four children had on the agenda daily and also managed to keep an impeccable home.
If you did not have the privilege of tasting Rita's home cooked soups, dutch salad, croquets or any of the other dishes she created, you definitely missed out on a special treat. Rita's greatest joy in life were here four children and her six grandchildren. She was proud of each and every one and relished in having bragging right at every opportunity.
Rita is lovingly survived by her four children Grace (Scott) Malcolm, Marion (Dale) Simoneau, Bob (Jayell or Dora as Mom called her) Melchers and Bonnie (Rheal) Desaulniers; six grandchildren Kayla and Kiana Malcolm, Myles and Carly Melchers, and Paul and Dondre Desaulniers. She is also survived by twin brothers, a sister and brother in law, many nieces, nephews residing in Holland.
Predeceased by her husband Joseph in 2007, four brothers and one sister in Holland.
All who knew Rita had a special name for her whether it was Mom, Riet, Moeder, Gramma, or Schat. Our lives will never be the same, but you will live on in our hearts forever. We love you Mom – Gramma. Until we meet again.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of the life of Rita was held at the Airlane Travelodge Hotel (Madrid Room) on Friday, May 28, 2010. Donations in memory of Rita may be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada and are greatly appreciated by family. The WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James in care of arrangements.