Rita PILLITTERI

1934 - 2023

It is with sadness that we share the passing of Rita Pillitteri (nee Gauthier) on Sunday, April 30th, 2023.
Rita was born in November of 1934 in Ontario's cold and rugged north to Richard and Madge Gauthier. She became a school teacher at the age of only 17 years. Upon graduation, she moved to Crystal Beach, Ontario where she met and married Joseph Pillitteri in April 1957. Together they embarked on the crazed adventure of raising five unruly children. Rita retired from teaching in 1971 and the family moved to the Pillitteri family farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Throughout her life, Rita was an avid activist, championing a variety of causes including keeping Lake Erie beach access open to the public, Right to Life and improving the quality of education in local schools. She was always up for a rally and a good public fight. Rita was also an accomplished artist who enjoyed painting. Rita and Joe became active members of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where they became involved in church life and community projects. Even as her health waned, Rita truly enjoyed the chance to attend weekday morning mass and then head to the Little Red Rooster for breakfast with her posse. Rita and Joe formed many strong and lasting friendships in the Niagara community that continued throughout their lives.
Rita is survived by her children Joe (Debbie) Pillitteri, Trina (Dave) Washington, Laurie (Chris) Huber, Chris (Cheryl) Pillitteri; and Greg (Jeanette) Pillitteri and her brothers Peter (Betty) Gauthier and Bob (Anne Gauthier). She is pre-deceased by her husband Joe and her brother Terry.
Throughout their youth, Grandma Rita enjoyed spending time with her nine grandchildren: Christine, David, Dianne, Ethan, Janet, Megan, Natasha, Nick and Richard. Their outings were sometimes unusual, but always fun! She was also the proud great-grandmother of 6 great-grandchildren and numerous grand-pets.
Rita spent the final six years of her life at Pleasant Manor Long-term Care Facility, and we would like to sincerely thank the staff there for their kind, gentle and patient care of her. Special thanks also to PSWs Sharon and Kim who helped Rita to maintain her independence for as long as possible and continued to arrange fun-filled social outings after she moved to Pleasant Manor.

Friends are invited to join the family for visitation at Morgan Funeral Home- 415 Regent St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, on Thursday, May 11th between 2-4 and 7-9pm to share stories and memories of Rita. The funeral service will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Friday, May 12th at 11am, with a reception at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre to follow. As an expression of sympathy, those who wish, in lieu of flowers may make a memorial donation to The Tender Wishes Foundation and would be appreciated by the family.

Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com