It is with great sadness that the family of Rita (MacDonald) Meagher wishes to announce her passing on May, 17 at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, N.B. Daughter of Sarah (MacLellan) and Roderick MacDonald,

Rita was a proud CapeBretoner born in Inverness County, Nova Scotia. Rita and her family moved to Bathurst in 1964. She was a faithful parishioner of Sacred Heart Cathedral and a member of the CWL and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Herman J. Good VC Branch 18, Royal Canadian Legion.

Rita spent a good part of her life working in public service spending several years working with the Canadian Mental Health Association.  She was a charter board member and part of the steering committee in the creation of the Villa Chaleur.  With federal funding, she created and ran a Community Services Centre allowing access to mental health and community services and activities for adults (mainly women) and children without previous access to these programs.  This work later evolved into the creation of the Bathurst Volunteer Centre where she held the position of first president.  She volunteered and served on the board for the organization for several years in addition to working with the Red Cross and the Multicultural Association of Bathurst. 

Rita found joy in her devotion to the Catholic faith having taught religious education as well as having been part of the Legion of Mary. She was an avid birder, gardener and she valued the Arts.  She loved politics and enjoyed watching and being part of lively debate. She loved the ocean, star gazing, the rolling hills of CapeBreton and only challenging crosswords. 

Rita was predeceased by her parents: Sarah (MacLellan) and Roderick MacDonald and by siblings: Helen, John Angus, Malcolm, Donald, Anne, John Andrew, Hugh, Theresa, and Margaret Anne. 

She is survived by her brother,  Francis MacDonald (Corrine) of Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Her three children: James Meagher( Marie) of Bathurst, N.B., Miles Meagher( Barb) of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Colleen Meagher- Alkan(Spencer) of Fredericton, N.B. 

She is also survived by five grandchildren whom she loved very much: Catherine, Kyle, Rory, Megan and Kristin and by several nieces and nephews.

Our mother opened her heart to those in need and gave of herself in direct and indirect ways.  We will always treasure her lively spirit, her generosity and ready smile as well as the unconditional love she had for her family. She will be sorrowfully missed and cherished always.

The family will receive relatives and friends after 7 p.m. Wednesday at Elhatton`s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday morning (May 23, 2013) at 11 a.m. from the Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. Andrew St., Bathurst. 

Visiting hours are Wednesday from 7 to 9 and Thursday from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral.

Remembrances in Rita’s memory can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.