BALDWIN, Rita

June 22, 1924 - October 7, 2020

When Rita quietly died, circled by her children and grandchildren, a cherished chapter of our lives ended. She and her remarkable generation are remembered with love and gratitude.

Rita was born on Vancouver Island. Her father Alec, a quiet WWI vet, was badly wounded in France. Her mother Rita was a high-spirited London war bride. The family moved from Parksville to Vancouver in 1940, and in 1946 Rita graduated from VGH School of Nursing and married Navy vet Ron Baldwin. The whirlwind of parenthood soon began. We recall the pets, cars, camping trips, parties, handmade outfits/costumes, Boundary Bay and Artaban summers, intl. students, church life at St. Philip's, and all the squabbles, laughter and richness of life on West 28th Avenue.

Mum loved good conversation, current events, travel, her Yorkshire roots, cats, baking, election work, Volvos and yard sales. She excelled as a grandmother, sharing after-school cookies, hugs and behaviour lectures. After teaching at St. Philip's Sunday school for years she moved to a new phase of spiritual life at St. John's Shaughnessy, helping with Sunday school, Seniors Teas, Archives and the front desk, and enjoying bible studies, retreats and the warm company of clergy and friends. As her eyes dimmed and hearing failed the support of her church family meant the world to her. Friends and nieces also lifted her spirits with cheery calls, cards, visits, baking and outings. We're also grateful for the care and compassion of staff at VGH and Arbutus Long Term Care.

Predeceased by Ron, her brother Norm, and many dear ones, Rita leaves Leslie Vaughan, Barbara Constantine and Norman Baldwin (Mariam), and grandchildren Brittany, Alexander, Olivia and Giovanna. A small funeral will be held at St. John's Van. Her ashes will rest with Ron's in the Garden of Remembrance, St. John's Shaughnessy. If you would like to donate in her memory, please consider the SPCA or any org. that helps make the world a better place.