It is with extreme sorrow we announce the passing of Rita Marina Giroux of Pickering, Ontario in her 88th year (December 30, 1935 - August 9, 2024).
Rita is survived by her beloved husband of 69 Years Wilfred (Tony) Giroux, children Leslie (Dave), Larry (Lisa), Lynn (Marty) and Leanne. Forever in the hearts of her grandchildren, Heather, Matthew, Kyle, Kory, Jessie, Jackie, Evan and Adam. Beloved GG to Elena, Nash, Nixon, Lily, Parker, Lucas, Natalie, Nicholas, Noel, Kalvin, and Nash.
Predeceased by her parents Jean and John Cameron and her dear brothers Stew, Jimmy and Bill. Rita was very close to her mother and her brothers.
Rita met Wilfred while working in the office at Dunlop Tire in Toronto. They dated for 3 years before marrying in 1955. In 1958 they started their family. Rita will always be fondly remembered by her whole family as a great mom, grandma and great-grandma (‘GG’). While living in Scarborough for 45 years, Rita and Tony had many friends with whom they had wonderful close-knit relationships. Her friends would remember their many parties and Rita as a great hostess. She was famous for her cheese-dreams, her buttertarts and her oatmeal cookies, as well as enjoying a shot of ‘dram’. She would take care of her grandchildren who have memories of swimming, learning to play blackjack, going to the movies and special events, and cheese-dreams and watermelon on the backyard lounge. She attended all of her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sports, activities, dance recitals. At one grandson’s hockey game, he didn't care about the hockey game. He was at the opposite end of the action to say hi to his Grandma. Even a few weeks ago when she wasn’t feeling well, she attended one of her great granddaughter’s volleyball games and another’s rock music concert.
Rita and Tony travelled a lot and made many memories with family and friends. Whoever she met, wherever she went, she left the impact of her kindness and friendly spirit. She taught all of us kindness, bravery, courage and empathy for others. She was the heart of our family, had a huge impact on all of our lives and will always be in our hearts.
A celebration of Rita’s life will be held at a date in the near future.