Skip to content

Margaret Elizabeth "Rita" Mowatt

October 30, 2019

May 12, 1936 - October 30, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rita on Wednesday, October 30, 2019. Rita leaves to forever miss her, her husband of 62 years, John; son, Michael (Lilibeth Britos) Mowatt of Edmonton, Alberta; daughter, Linda (Terry) Massey of Duncan, BC; granddaughters, Kayla Dame (Greg Strilchuk) and Isabella Mowatt. She was predeceased by her grandparents who raised her, Margaret and John Mutch of Aberdeen, Scotland; mother in law, Isabella Mowatt of Banchory, Scotland; and father-in-law, Edward Mowatt, of Victoria, BC.
Her friends - Monica, thank you for supporting her though all of Dad's health struggles these past six months. All her "pals" at Quality Foods in Port Alberni, they were her second family and they watched out for her and Dad all the time. She loved them all so much and treasured their friendship. Everywhere you went with Mom she had friends, at the Sally Ann (Salvation Army), Dollar Tree, Dollarama and they would all tell us what a delightful Mom we had, and last but not least, her neighbour Lori, who came running when called upon by Dad and performed CPR until the Ambulance could arrive. Thank you for being there for her when she needed you most.
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Rita immigrated to Canada in 1957 to be with John, who had arrived prior to her to start his career as a geologist in Estevan, Saskatchewan. His career moved them to Calgary in the late 50's. After several years there, they made the decision to become self employed and moved to Vancouver Island in 1969. They were successful antiques dealers, having a store first in Duncan, BC and then two stores in Victoria BC - Rita's Treasures and the Country Peddler. Rita was so proud of her successes - she was a very savvy business women. After retiring in 1992, Rita and John moved to Port Alberni.
Rita was a little spitfire and had a good soul. She treasured her friends and loved to rub elbows and strike up a conversation with everyone she met. She often gifted some small thing(s) to them just because she really loved her pals. She struggled with severe arthritis in the last 15 years but she would just push on and say how spry she was. She was a real trooper when it came to her illness. She celebrated life and would never miss a birthday or the chance to spoil her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Rita's memory may do so by making a donation in her name to the Arthritis Society.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Rita's honour at 2:30 pm on Friday, November 15th in the Reception Centre at Yates Memorial Services, 4470 Gertrude Street in Port Alberni.
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesmemorial.ca
Yates Memorial Services
250-723-5859
"Lives Cherished and Celebrated"
 Yates Memorial Services

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Friday, November 15, 2019
2:30 PM
Reception Centre at Yates Memorial Services, 4470 Gertrude Street, Port Alberni


Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.