Rita Villeneuve

Rita Villeneuve (Mercier) passed away peacefully in her home in Cambridge surrounded by her loving family on July 23rd, shortly before her 59th birthday. For many years she bravely battled breast cancer while constantly looking forward. She had the will to live and a profound faith in God, which helped her push through the obstacles that stood in her path, always with courage and strength; an inspiration to others!

She was a priceless gift to her kids, to her husband, to her family, and to all those who were fortunate to have known her or walked beside her. She will be remembered for her undeniable generosity, her authenticity and her most cherished value, honesty. She had the ability to see the best part of each person, and was compassionate and attentive to the needs of others. And let's not forget her innocent comedic acts which provided us with many happy hours in her presence, through the years and even during the last months and weeks of her life.

Originally from the small town of Saint-Fabien-de-Panet in Québec, her family adopted Cambridge as their home when she was very young. She eventually worked as a seamstress at Barday's Manufacture, then later took on the undaunting task of being a mother and homemaker.

She was predeceased by her parents Marie-Anne and Henri Mercier, her mother-in-law Irène Villeneuve (Vachon), as well as her older brother Ernest Mercier. She will be forever cherished by those she leaves behind. Loving wife of Marc Villeneuve, and devoted mother of André (Chantal Lajeunesse) Chantal (Marc LeBlanc), Natalie and Eric. Affectionate and proud Mamie to Marc-André, Roch, Olivia and Leah. She will also be dearly missed by her sisters and brothers, father-in-law as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and wonderful friends.

The family invites you to pay your last respects and say farewell to Rita at Coutts Funeral Home on Sunday 2-4 and 7-9. A celebration of her life will take place on Monday at 10 am at St-Ambrose Church. For those who wish to offer a donation in her name, Rita and her family suggest an offering to either of the following foundations; The Canadian Breast Cancer Society, The Canadian Cancer Society, or The Cambridge Memorial Foundation (directed to cancer care).