Hendrie, Rita
Hendrie, Rita Elaine
July 30, 1948 - September 17, 2021It’s with great sadness that we announce Rita passed away peacefully on Friday September 17 at the young age of 73. Pre-deceased by her father Robert and mother Margery, she will be deeply missed by her daughter Sheri, sister Ena (Michael), nephews Scott and Jay Tipping and family as well as her many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends in both Canada and England.
Over the last few years Rita’s health had its ups and downs. The time had come where she was ready to move on from this world. In keeping with how she lived her life, Rita approached her final days with a sense of humour, subtle bravery, concern and kindness for her loved ones. She didn’t want anyone to be sad about her passing, but rather to celebrate her life.
Rita came to Canada from England as a young girl. She grew up in Streetsville and Oakville with her older sister Ena and her maternal uncle Al Burbidge (deceased) who was more of a brother to her.
Rita lived in Hillsdale as a stay at home mom with her former husband (David) Paul Clark and their daughter Sheri Clark. Making play dough, baking, playing in the snow, walks in the woods and watching thunder storms on the front steps of the house to help ease any fears for her little girl were all part of being a mom for Rita.
In the early 1980’s, following the end of her marriage to Paul, Rita returned to Oakville with Sheri to be closer to extended family.
Rita re-married to Michael Baker and they lived in both Oakville and Burlington until the end of their marriage.
Rita spent her career as an administrative assistant and customer service representative. She worked for Mack Truck in Oakville and in the Clerk’s Department for the Town of Oakville until she retired.
When Sheri moved to Guelph with Derek Graham, Rita happily followed to be close to her daughter and her cherished grandsons Kyle Stevens and Brett Stevens (Father, Scott Stevens). Rita loved being Nana to her boys and had a special reserve of energy and love for them. Soft and welcoming hugs could fix any problem or heal any illness. Her ability to laugh, be silly and nurturing of Kyle and Brett created lasting memories and embodied what she loved most in life. They were what filled her heart.
Rita filled the role of Nana to Rebecca Field and Samantha Field and cared for them at a distance as they grew into their young adult lives.
She was also “family” by choice to many beyond the bonds of biology or marriage. Her caring heart, friendship and desire to love and be loved could be felt wherever she was.Rita enjoyed reading, swimming(floating!), music, dancing, Christmas movies, cooking and trying new recipes, photos, holidays and was always up for something fun. She loved deeply and generously and yet she never truly realized how deeply she touched the hearts of others. She may have died from a broken heart (literally) but the love she gave to this world will be with us forever.
As per Rita’s request, a cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. For now, she would hope you would share memories, talk, laugh, look through old photos and know she will “see you on the other side”.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The Way of the Circle Scholarship Fund at The Northern Edge Algonquin would be appreciated. The Edge is a special place for her and Sheri, and she appreciated the growth Sheri experienced there. The Edge offers a range of programming that creates space for healing, grieving, play, music, creativity and seeing the world with child-like wonder - all elements Rita would love knowing she contributed to someone experiencing.
