Rita Anne Theriault

With heavy hearts the family of Rita (Chiasson) Theriault announce her passing on Sunday February 26, 2023. Born November 3, 1922 in L’ Etang du Nord, Isles de la Madeleine, Quebec to Gerald and Eva (Forest) Chiasson, Rita moved to Trois Riviere, Quebec when she was one year old. Her family then relocated in Rita’s teen years to Halifax where she met the love of her life, Johnny Theriault. After they married in 1946, she helped support John through his medical studies until they began their family. Moving to Charlottetown, PEI they rounded out the Theriault Tribe to 9 children. Rita and John’s lives were forged together in tender care and out of this love came their gift, a community of brothers and sisters keenly, loyally devoted to one another. A move in 1965 brought the family to Kennebecasis Park in NB and after being widowed, Rita returned to her beloved city of Halifax in 1986.

Growing up during the Great Depression shaped Rita’s character. Mom was traditional in her values, stalwart in her beliefs and faith, and strong willed in her opinions. Family was the focus of Rita’s life. She was a caring and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great- great grandmother who instilled upon us all the ability to deeply care for others in our lives. Rita experienced and accepted many changes that unfolded throughout her 100 years. A prime example is how she embraced modern technology by using FaceTime as a means of daily communication with her family.

After raising their family, Rita and John enjoyed travels that took them around North America, Europe and Asia, where they visited family and friends. In her leisure, she spent her time crocheting, doing search- a- word and jigsaw puzzles lovingly supplied by her son Jim, watching Jeopardy and Let’s Make a Deal, and knitting for family or charitable donations.

Rita is predeceased by her loving husband John, her sons George, Dennis and Bill, her grandson Mathieu, her sisters Juilette, Irma and Yvonne, and her brothers Gerald, Jerome and Norman. She is survived by her sister Alice Sampson, her children John (Brenda), Christine Zinder (Steve), Jim (Jo), CP (Ruth), Eva Carman (Don), Michelle Kingston (Michael), and daughters-in-law Dina Theriault, Betty Theriault, and Bette Myles-Basques as well as sisters-in-law Margaret Barry and Margaret Chiasson. She is also survived by her grandchildren Lisa, Annie, Jennifer, Amy, Daniel, Christianne, Johnathan, John Z, John T, Adam, Matthew, Christopher and James, her great grandchildren Kelsey, Marina, Juliette, Kaleb, Jacob, Kyler, Zachery, Ava, Ben R, Luke, Marilyn, Hunter, Ben M, Carmella, Quinn, Vincent and Tate and her great-great grandson Christian. Rita is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

When asked to describe their Nana, the grandchildren immediately responded with the following words. “Nana was a regal lady whose simple presence spoke far more than words ever could. She was happiest when she was surrounded by family as her devotion was infectious and unmatched. Her smile and laughter, her warmth and kindness could light up a room. Nana was a cornerstone, a matriarch, the trunk to our family tree. She embodied grace and elegance and was a strong woman with a generous heart. Nana was witty, supportive and one of the most resilient and loving people who was a kind role model. We all could serve to be a little more like Nana.”

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Parkland at the Garden for making a truly wonderful home environment for our Mom. They went above and beyond our expectations from the very beginning until the very end.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of J A Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr, Halifax, NS. Visitation will be Sunday March 5, 2023 from 2-6pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday March 6, 2023 at St. Mary’s Basilica, Spring Garden Road, Halifax at 10:00am with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rita may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be placed at www.jasnowfuneralhome.com. For those unable to attend the service is available to view via: https://livestream.com/halifaxyarmouth/RitaAnneTheriault

To be loved by those whom you have loved is not to die but to live forever.