Coffey, Rita Eileen, nee Bodendistle; passed away April 10,2008 at Wellington Terrace, Elora, where a caring staff supported her, since moving there a year ago. Born in Arthur Township near Kenilworth in 1925, Rita married Dan Coffey of Peel Township after teaching and accounting work in Hamilton and Toronto. Predeceased by her husband and two infant daughters, Mary-Ann and Margaret Mary. She is survived and remembered with affection and admiration by Matt and Sharon of Arthur, Helen and Gerald of Markdale, Leonard and Paula of Arthur, Pat and Juliet of Edmonton, Bert and Brenda of Arthur, Norma and Randy of Whitehorse, Theresa of Orangeville, and Frank of Toronto. Her grandchildren will remember her for her quiet attention to their birthdays and many activities: Dennis, Justin, Eric, Timothy, Patrick, Justine, Morgan, Hannah, Ryan, Tracey and Ron, Renee and Darren, Heather and Dan, Amanda and Mike, Steven and Stephanie, Daniel, Luke, Carmen and Caleb, and her great-grandchildren, Brett, Blair, Tye, Cole, Brooke, Malcolm, Violet, and Rylen. She is survived by sisters, and brother in laws: Vera and Lou Romano, Marge and Ed Pitre, Anne and Don Picket, and sisters-in-law, Mary Coffey, and Margaret Coffey, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sister and brothers, Mary, Joe, Tom and Jack. Her life was above all devoted to her family. Her lifelong participation in her parishes of Sacred Heart, St. John’s, St. Mary’s, daily Mass on television, and her prayer of the rosary nourished her faith and practice. Her family and friends will take strength from her example. The family received friends at the Crawford Funeral Home 243 George St., Arthur on Sunday April 13, 2008 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Parish prayers were said in the funeral home on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was held from St. John Roman Catholic Church, 160 Georgina St., Arthur on Monday April 14, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Father Edward Hinsperger celebrated. Spring interment St. John Cemetery, Arthur. In lieu of flowers donations of sympathy may be made to Wellington Terrace Recreation Program, Osteoporosis Society or a charity of your choice. Crawford Funeral Home 519-848-6872.
