Peacefully and surrounded by family, Rita (Vettor) Shaughnessy, passed away at the age of 78 years, on July 18, 2024 in Toronto. Rita was diagnosed with thymic cancer in May. Unfortunately, and unexpectedly, her illness was aggressive and progressed rapidly, leaving us shocked and shattered.

Born on February 18,1946 and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Rita studied at the University of Toronto where she completed her BA in Sociology, followed by a Masters degree in Library Studies. As the child of Italian immigrants, she was the first of her family to attend university and became a role model to her younger siblings, nieces and nephews that followed. For over 30 years, she was a medical librarian for the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Her career was an ideal fit for her patience, curiosity, love of learning and interest in medicine and health. Her contributions were highly valued, and she was respected and admired by her colleagues, many of whom became lifelong friends. In her retirement, she continued to use her skills volunteering with the Friends of the Kelly Library (University of St. Michael’s College).

To Rita, family was the centre of her world, and she was a constant source of love and support to them all. For 57 years, she was the devoted wife of Brian, making a life for themselves in the Seaton Village area of Toronto. She was an incredibly kind and loving mother to Valerie (Jonathan), Tony (Nicole), and Gabriel, and a proud and doting Nonna to her five grandchildren: William, Julia, Oliver, Jacob, and Gavin, and later, her two granddogs. Always interested in what the grandkids were doing, she would send them little texts and notes, suggest books to read, and make them their favourite meals. She cherished spending time with them especially at the beach and over holidays. She never turned down a babysitting gig. She also deeply loved her siblings: Norma (Roger), Angie (Keith), Dino (Bette), Linda (Louie) and Richard, and her many nieces and nephews.

Rita was an adored friend and neighbour and will be missed by those who spent time with her at her various exercise groups, Irish dancing, meditation, and volunteer groups. She was fulfilled by the simple pleasures: a cup of tea, cycling to work, the smell of lavender, admiring sunsets - made sweeter in the company of others. Rita’s life was an example of gentle kindness, authenticity, optimism, and a passion for helping others. Her legacy of love and dedication will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

A celebration of life will take place on July 26, 2024 from 12 to 2 pm at Mount Pleasant Cemetery following a private family burial. Memorial donations can be made to one of Rita’s favourite charities: Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, or Covenant House.