July 20, 2022
“It is with a great deal of sadness – with a nod to her magnificent life and enduring legacy – that we announce the gentle passing of Rita Stafford after a very brief illness. At the time of her passing Rita was surrounded by immeasurable love, the dulcet tones of Oscar at the piano, her trusty lipstick and hairbrush at her side. The Stafford family would like to extend our eternal gratitude to the extraordinary, attentive staff at the Montreal General Hospital. Rita was predeceased by her husband and love of her life Donald Stafford and daughter Deborah-Ann, and is survived by her three children Lynn, Brian (Tracey), and Donna (Martin), and adoring grandchildren Raeanne, Jessica, Makayla, and Owen. Rita’s magic was to make anyone who was the focus of her attention feel like the most important person in the world. She was captivating and devilishly smart. Her infinite capacity for love (sometimes tough!), empathy, and trust in the goodness that lives in every single person she met, is how she’ll be remembered by those whose lives she touched. A life-long Montréalaise with a passion for the Als and the Habs, the pinnacle of Rita’s remarkable career was as the Grande Dame of Le Centre Café Gourmet from 1977 to the present. Rita never forgot the vital role The Montreal Children’s Hospital played in her family’s life. Please direct any donations to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation or to another worthy cause that is closest to your heart. A private service will be held with a memorial celebration to be announced in the near future. G’night Mum/Nana/Tita/Rita. We love you.”
RÉSIDENCE FUNÉRAIRE J.J. CARDINAL FUNERAL HOME
560 ch. Bord du Lac, Dorval (Québec) H9S 2B3
Tél. : 514-631-1511 | Téléc. : 514-631-1516 | Courriel : info@jjcardinal.ca