Obituary of Rita Agnes Faught
Rita Agnes Faught (nee McDonald) passed away on July 29, 2015 peacefully at the Chartwell Gardens Long Term Care Residence in London, Ontario at the age of 95. Cremation has taken place and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church in Lansdowne, Ontario in September. Born February 28, 1920, Rita was raised in Lansdowne, Ontario, daughter of the late William and Margaret (nee Goodfriend) McDonald. It was in Lansdowne where she met the love of her life, Basil Faught. They were lovingly married on June 19, 1948 by Basil’s brother, Rev. Donald Faught. Through their romantic journey together, Rita and Basil raised 7 children who enjoyed their complete and devoted attention: George (Diane), Luanne Stiel (Jim), Carolyn Borland (Wayne), Mary Leigh, Jim, the late Bob (Marguerite) and Lynne. Proud Nana to 14 Grandchildren: Tim Faught, Sean Faught, Kevin Faught, Dr. Jill Starkes, Dr. Matt Borland, Greg Palmer, Sarah Stiel, Matt Stiel, Erin Faught, Shelley Faught, Meghan Faught, Ryan Faught, Shannon Faught and John Kelly. She dearly loved all of her 8 Great Grandchildren: Benjamin Basil, William, Brianna, Isabelle, Jack Basil, Ellis, Nora and Evelyn. Predeceased by her husband William Alfred Basil in 1999 and her son Robert Basil in 2011. Building a life together in Sarnia, Rita and Basil continued to ensure there was love and grace in their home. Mom devoted her life to family and was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones. Rita was a positive, quiet gentle woman with a prayerful presence. Her steadfast faith, wisdom and good common sense enriched our lives through her examples of cooking, gardening, reading and needlework. Life’s struggles and lessons experienced as a family were made easier by Mom encouraging us onward with great faith. She was open with her love and affection for everyone while teaching us to be forgiving and kind to all. She enjoyed spending time in her delightful backyard gardens on East Street and with the many friends fostered through both Ontario and Sarnia Hydro, especially longtime friends Stan and Wyn Ryan. She was also a proud parishioner and volunteer at St. Peter’s Catholic Church for over 50 years. Mom generously volunteered yearly as a canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society, and was active in Church and community organizations. Mom carried out her civic duty assisting during many elections. In her later years, she demonstrated grace and courage as she developed Macular Degeneration leading to complete blindness. She never lost her desire for literature and reading good books and stayed current through talking books/magazines and the CBC. Gratitude is extended to the CNIB for their assistance in her adjustment period. Her twinkling blue eyes, squeeze of the hand and warm smile will be sadly missed. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations in Rita’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society or the CNIB.
