Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1951
DIED
2021
RITA ZAIED Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RITA ZAIED
62 Entries
Deborah Kinsella
September 2, 2022
I am very late to this but wanted to say that Rita was instrumental to me in my career in law. Thank you Rita
Frances Bruski
April 1, 2021
All the tributes to Rita are true and beautifulI
I can only ad that ny family were most fortunate when Khaled and Rita and family moved into the house bxnett door to my home and my family were blessed with much kindness and love for many happy years .i moutn Rita has left but no longer suffers her illness.In her short time among family and friends she left a a gift of goodness and love
Bryon Keats
March 30, 2021
Khal and family, our most sincere condolences in the passing of lovely Rita. We send you hugs of comfort during this very difficult time. Love Bryon and Mairi Keats
Patrick Travers
March 25, 2021
I had the pleasure with working with Rita at the Etobicoke Crown office. We worked together on a major dangerous offender case. She was an amazing Crown. Unfazed by anyone or any situation, nothing could faze her. I learned a lot from her. I also gained some insight into her family and Muslim faith when we had time to discuss other things. My condolences to her family. She will be greatly missed.
Kate Doorly
March 22, 2021
My deepest condolences to Rita’s beloved family. I met Rita on her first day of work as a Crown - we were part of a group of five women hired in the Etobicoke Crown’s office (Nathanson, MacPherson and Bloomenfeld being the others). She was a wonderful colleague - generous with her time and fun - always up for a laugh. She was a fierce employee of Her Majesty - I remember sharing a court with her and I can still see her standing, hands on her hips, feet planted and just not budging during a cross-examination. I know how much she loved her husband and children and then grandchildren. She was a force of nature. Rest In Peace Rita. Love to all the family. Kate Doorly
Jennifer Cash
March 21, 2021
When I was a younger officer I had the opportunity of a lifetime to assist in running a homicide trial. Rita was the lead Crown on that trial. I sat there in awe watching her each day in the courtroom. She was so tough and so well respected. I am sorry for your family's loss.
Jeff McGuire
March 19, 2021
Rita will always be remembered as a Champion of Justice. She was the voice for so many victims and their families. I was honoured to have Rita prosecute many of my cases during my time with Toronto Police Service and I am confident that many of my colleagues in the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) were also blessed with that honour. Thank you Rita and thank you, and condolences, to her family.
Jeff McGuire (retired TPS)
Executive Director OACP
Gavin Jansz
March 17, 2021
One of the best Crowns I've had the good fortune to work alongside. Rita had the heart of a LIONESS. Courage like I've never seen. Rita kept me grounded while being cross examined by 17 separate counsel. For months on end from 8 am to 11pm Rita guided me through one of the first street gang prosecutions in this country. She worked tirelessly to keep our streets safe. Thank ypu Rita for ...well everything. Rest in Peace and I will never forget that smile and the words " We got em Gav"
Richard Gayne
March 16, 2021
"Outrageous"ly extraordinary.
Kiran Nagra
March 15, 2021
My sincerest condolences to Rita's family, I was deeply saddened to learn of her passing. I had the pleasure of working with Rita on several homicide cases, she was always compassionate and authentic towards the family members of the deceased and witnesses who were often reluctant and at times downright hostile. She had a warm, friendly presence but she was a fighter! I loved seeing her in action, especially during cross! I recall one time she once asked a young man, who err.. had issues with his memory... to pull out his cell phone during his testimony to help jog his memory - and he did and well, Rita did what she had to do. She also shared about her family, what it was like for her when she returned to work when her children were babies when I returned from maternity leave. I know she would bring her mother in a law a box of chocolate bars when she would visit her in Egypt, and lastly, I remember how every Ramadan she would donate her "lunch money" to a family in need. She always had the time to include me, to guide me. She was a remarkable woman and I am grateful to have known her.
Sam Boutzouvis
March 15, 2021
Please accept my condolences. I am so saddened by this news. I will always remember Rita’s mischievous and warm smile when we chatted or conducted a case in the criminal courts. RIP Rita.
Stephen C.
March 15, 2021
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Rita for a few years and it wasn't until I became her assistant when she was the Regional Dangerous Offender Crown for Toronto that I really got to know her. Rita, you taught me so much over the almost two years that we worked together. You were as fierce as they came, but you were always fair. You were always generous with your time whether it was to answer questions or just to have a conversation. Your laugh was infectious, and you had so many great stories to share from your career and your life in general, and you always told them so vividly that it felt like I was there. May you rest in Peace. To Rita's family, may you always find comfort in the light of her memory and may it live on always in your hearts.
Diana
March 15, 2021
Rita was a beautiful person who was caring and compassion towards others. I worked with her at scarb crt and really enjoyed working with her. She always had interesting stories. She will be missed. My condolences to her family. May She rest in peace.
March 15, 2021
Rita guided me through my first Dangerous Offender proceeding - she was endlessly patient, kind, helpful and brilliant. What a heartbreaking loss for her family, who must miss her so very much.
Jennifer Lofft
David Fisher
March 15, 2021
I had the distinct pleasure to work closely with Rita at the Etobicoke Crown's Office and had the good fortune of having her as my co-counsel on a lengthy complex Homicide case. She was a wonderful Crown. Rita was always exceptionally well prepared and she tirelessly and consistently represented the public interest. She was a fierce advocate. She was also a devoted family person who spoke lovingly and often of Khaled, Monica and Osama and in recent years of the new additions to her family. She touched many and will be greatly missed. May her memory be a blessing.
Jill Cameron
March 15, 2021
My sincere condolences to the family of Rita. She was a true legend in the Crown Attorney's office. I had the pleasure of working with her in the Etobicoke office where she was nothing but kind and extremely generous with her time and knowledge. It was clear from talking with her just how much she loved her family.
Jill Cameron
Bill Nelson
March 15, 2021
On quite a number of occasions during my 30 year career as a TPS Detective I had the pleasure of working with Rita. Her professionalism and dedication to her work as a Crown Attorney was an inspiration to us all. I am deeply saddened to learn of her passing.
Gerard Tobin
March 15, 2021
Rita was the family rock. Her amazing dedication and work ethic was evident in both her professional and personal life. I cherish our time together and have amazing memories of the many weekends shared with her family when I was a young military member serving at Borden. Her family BBQs always bought us all together and she was the glue that kept us all connected. Love you Rita.
Allan Lobel
March 14, 2021
I hadn't seen or thought about Rita until I heard the news. Brings back a flood of memories about how she would see past the bad in a person and she would keep the eternal flame of hope burning to give that person the chance to change. Many did thanks to Rita. I will pray for her.
Rick and Kathy Chenette
March 14, 2021
Our condolences and prayers to Rita’s family.
We are now retired, but remember how hard she worked , to either make sure a person whom was wrongly charged, was exonerated, or worked equally hard to convict a bad guy.
The Toronto courts were so lucky to have a Crown like her.
Rita was not only a tiger in the courts, she was was a wonderful, friendly person, who really enjoyed the people she worked with. Rita loved to laugh, and loved life,
We will miss you.
Rick and Kathy Chenette
Mara
March 14, 2021
I worked with Rita at the East Mall, I was a court clerk, and she was one the many crowns I had the pleasure to work with, she definitely knew her stuff. Deepest condolences to her family and friends.
McDonlad Cindy
March 14, 2021
Amazing individual will be deeply missed. Deepest condolences to her family
Doug and Sharon Dyer
March 14, 2021
Although we only had the opportunity to meet with Rita on a few occasions we were left with the feeling of her kind nature and dedication to those less fortunate . Our heartfelt condolence
David Boulet
March 14, 2021
I have so many great memories of Rita, but for me there are really three things about her that have left such an impact on me. She was fearless. I remember her going toe-to-toe with Trafford and the job she did on the Dooley trial. She never backed away from doing what was right. She was such a great mentor to so many of us. She cared deeply for the people she worked with, and despite her own work load, she always found time to help someone work through an issue they had, or to just be there. This was especially so when she became the Regional Dangerous Offender Crown, as she guided me through these proceedings with both advice and encouragement when things bogged down. But mostly I remember what a wonderful person she was. She was a good friend to us all, and I loved seeing that smile of hers that could fill a room. My deepest condolences to her family - know that we loved her.
cheryl Blondell
March 14, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Rita was a mentor and friend. Rest in Peace
Gail Glickman
March 14, 2021
rita was my friend and colleague for thirty years. she and khaled and her children welcomed my daughter and I into her home every single Christmas and Thanksgiving and we shared traditional Newfie dinners which we will always remember with nostalgia. Rita loved her work and her friends and family with passion and we will miss her always.
Gail
Chris Higgins
March 14, 2021
My condolences to Rita’s family. She was an awesome Crown and I was happy when she I found out she was on my cases. A Crown with teeth but an awfully nice lady too!
Paula Rochman
March 13, 2021
An incredibly principled, compassionate, hard working and just simply lovely Assistant Crown Attorney. Few can match what she brought to the Crown's office. She stared at a time when very few women practiced in the area of criminal law. I am sure he family is so proud of what she accomplished.
dennis uong
March 13, 2021
Not goodbye, memories linger forever.
William Halkiw
March 13, 2021
Rita was hired as an articling student at our firm by Lauren Marshall who was subsequently appointed to the Bench.
We saw in her the extraordinary combination of intelligence, a tireless work ethic, and most of all warmth and compassion. She was hungry for knowledge and experience and it was abundantly clear that she would thrive in her chosen calling. Her dedication as a crown was second to none and she certainly left her mark, but this was paled by what meant most to her in her life...
being the overwhelming love and joy that her family brought her...
You will never be forgotten Rita...
Bill, Brenda, Dane and Tara Halkiw
RICK ROMAIN
March 13, 2021
Rita appeared im my court on occasion early on to conduct bail hearings. She was always pleasant, had a smile and many times a joke or two but she was also feisty in getting her views across. I went to her on a few occasions and sought her views and advice on some legal issues and she was always willing to help. Rita, you will be missed. May you rest in peace. My sincere condolences to your family
Jim Darbyshire
March 13, 2021
I always loved knowing it was Rita who was going to be my Crown on a case. She was so knowledgeable and friendly. If you mistook her kindness for weakness, you were very wrong.
She was always one to say hello as she passed in the hallway and always seemed to have 50 things on the go.
One of the good ones.
Helen Kersley
March 13, 2021
My sincere condolences. As a defence counsel, it was always a pleasure to be in court with Rita.
Sarah Glickman
March 13, 2021
Rita welcomed my family into her home every Christmas and Thanksgiving. I would call her Aunt Rita even though we weren’t related, but that didn’t matter. I always looked forward to her amazing holiday dinners and she always made me feel so loved and cherished. My love and thoughts are with Rita’s family. She was such a beautiful person and she will be greatly missed.
Tony Smith
March 13, 2021
While in the Homicide Squad I had the pleasure of meeting Rita and work for her during a prosecution of a murder case. I say work for her because she put 100% into the matter and expected no less. She was a remarkable women with an incredible work ethic, a wonderful personality and sense of humour. She often spoke of her family who I had the pleasure of meeting. Rita is an example of incredible determination and strength of character. I hold her in the highest regard and admiration. My sincere condolences to Rita’s family.
Gord and Arlene Fritz
March 13, 2021
Sincerest thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family. We always knew that when we attended court and Rita was in charge of our case, we were in good hands.
Jenny
March 13, 2021
Condolences to all of Rita’s family ,she was a wonderful person with a big heart......May she RIP.....
Lynne Bridger
March 13, 2021
To Khaled, Monica, Osama and all of the family: please know that you do not walk alone in your journey of grief. There is an army of Crowns, Defence counsel, judges, police officers and staff who remember lovely Rita with respect and affection. Rita was my East Mall colleague who became my dear friend. As a Crown, she was fierce but fair: as a friend, she was loyal and loving. May your broken hearts be comforted by the memory of her unique spirit. I , too, shall miss her beyond words until we meet again.
Vanessa
March 13, 2021
I worked with Rita at Scarbough Court, she was a very nice lady ,very fair and had a sense of humor. Sorry for the family’s loss.
Christine Ziedins
March 13, 2021
I am so saddened to hear about Rita. I started my law career with Rita. We both articled together. She was such an inspiration and support to me. She always spoke so fondly of her daughter, son and Khaled. She was so kind and always willing to help.
My deepest condolences to the family,
Christine Ziedins
howard goldkind
March 13, 2021
even though we were adversaries in court rita was always very professional well prepared and extremely fair and easy to get
along with she has passed far too soon
Cameron Field
March 13, 2021
Rita was one of the most gifted, dedicated and tireless prosecutors I had the privilege of working with. Her commitment to justice, to victims and the love of law were inspiring and moving. She made me a better investigator and always demanded the very best in her cases.
Rita, on a personal note, was a fun loving and warm person. Her laugh and smile were infectious. May she RIP....
Annie Hickey
March 13, 2021
My condolences to Khalid and the entire Zaied and Tobin families. Rita was my cousin but we didn’t hang out as kids, we connected years later when I would visit her every summer in Toronto on my way to my yearly Taoist Tai Chi workshops in Orangeville, Ontario. We knew once we connected that we were kindred spirits and I loved my yearly visits with her. Her obituary said it all, she had a generous heart and her family was her pride and joy. She gave of herself so selflessly, always making herself available for her friends, family and anyone in need. Every year she would plan an outing for me, be it a Paul Simon concert , the Stratford festival to see Jesus Christ Superstar, Cirque de Soleil, driving to Niagara on the Lake and always driving me to Orangeville or hanging out in her pool , strolling for a walk at the park or having a family BBQ. We would laugh, talk and share stories about our lives, work and our spiritual journey. The last time she visited Newfoundland was for my Dad’s funeral. She wasn’t feeling well herself but made the trip from Toronto because she wanted to pay her respects to Uncle James by reading at his funeral. I cherish those memories and will be forever grateful for having her in my life. She was a beautiful human being who embraced the ups and downs of life with courage, laughter and tenacity. I will miss her dearly. Rest In Peace my kindred spirit.
Marlene
March 13, 2021
She was such a kind loving women and she had a great sense of humour. Its truly a very big loss❤
Mary Hickey
March 13, 2021
We lost a great lady, but the universe received a new beautiful star. My condolences to the whole family.
Betty Vavougios
March 13, 2021
Thank you, Rita, for your mentorship and kindness. When I arrived in Scarborough as a relatively new Assistant Crown Attorney with much to learn, you were generous with your time and advice. You also offered some great unsolicited personal advice that I still remember and rely on. I was heartened to learn that your passing was with your loving family by your side, as I know that is how you wanted it to be. Safe travels ( as the Greeks say when someone passes), dear friend.
To Rita's family, I am so sorry for your loss. One of my most vivid memories of 9-11 is Rita in a complete panic about one of her loved ones who was travelling back home through Europe and how distraught she was until she learned that her loved one was safe.
Nora
March 13, 2021
You were the kindness and most generous person I knew. Thank you for being a wonderful and loving Aunt to me all my life ❤ You will be missed dearly by everyone that was around you.
Glenn Emond
March 13, 2021
My sincere condolences to Rita's family. Being a Toronto Police officer I had the pleasure of working along side of Rita numerous times throughout the years that she worked at the Etobicoke Court House. Rita was always such a great person to work with and always had that smile on her face and always like to laugh. She was an extremely knowledgeable woman who was always willing to dig in on a case and offer advise to those in need. She left this earth far to early but leaves behind great memories.
Jay Pierson
March 13, 2021
Thank you for being you and always being so kind, and always thinking of other people and helping them. I will miss and love you forever.
Wayne Banks (Retired D/Sgt TPS)
March 13, 2021
Rita was a tenacious and respected Crown. Condolences to family and friends
Charlene Pierson
March 13, 2021
Aunt Rita, where do I begin. I miss you so much, I think of you all the time. You were a kind and beautiful person who cared about everyone and everything. Thank you for being you, and blessing us with all the years that we got to spend with you. Love: Myranda, Konnor and Charlene
Mary Pierson
March 13, 2021
Will miss all of our time together, whether it was for a ride or a trip, and our daily phone calls. You will always be in my heart, Love you forever.
Josephine Prendergast
March 13, 2021
If only you could of stayed. You will be missed and always remembered. You have reached the race and you are celebrating in Heaven
Michael Blackwood
March 13, 2021
I worked as a Metropolitan Toronto Police Officer for 31 years and 8 months. I attended court in Etobicoke for the majority of my career. It was always an honour to work with Rita as my Crown Attorney. She was well respected by Officers, Defense Council and Judges. It is my honour to have know her.
Michael Blackwood (6945 retired.)
Erin McNamara
March 13, 2021
I watched Rita prosecute a child homicide when I was an articling student, and I was hooked. She always had time to speak to me, to help me, and just to talk about life. She told me to enjoy the work, and when it was time, to let it go and enjoy retirement, family and friends. I would not have had the career I have enjoyed if I had not met Rita. My condolences to her family.
Gerard Tobin
March 13, 2021
Always loved. You are forever in my
Richard BLANCHARD
March 13, 2021
Rita may you Rest In Peace and condolences to your family
Jeffry House
March 13, 2021
So sorry to hear this sad news. Rita was a lovely person who I knew during her time as a Crown Attorney. Though Inwas with the defence bar, I can’t recall a cross word from Rita, (maybe a few sarcastic ones, though!), and she was the epitome of professionalism throughout the many years I interacted with her. My deepest condolences to all those closest to her in this difficult time.
Lynne Bridger
March 13, 2021
To Khaled, Monica, Osama and all of her family, please know that you are not alone in your grief in these isolated times. Crowns, defence counsel, judges, police officers and staff, both retired & active, walk with you. Rita & I met as colleagues at the East Mall and became dear friends. As a Crown, she was both fierce and fair. As a friend she was loving and loyal. I shall miss her beyond words. May her memory be a blessing to you.
Diana Hutzul
March 13, 2021
Rita, Rest In Peace. Condolences to the whole family.
Lynne Bridger
March 13, 2021
To Khaled, Osama, Monica & all of her dear family: please know that you do not grieve alone. Rita & I started as colleagues at the East Mall and became dear friends. She was feisty, fierce & fair as a Crown. She was loyal and loving as a friend. I shall miss her beyond words. May her memory be a blessing to you.
Showing 1 - 62 of 62 results