Rita Ann Shepherd
elevated 1e9Et July 12, 1937 – May 13, 2025
elevated 1e9Et Visitation
Friday May 16 from 11:30am ~ 1:30pm
elevated 1e9Et Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 1e9Et Funeral Mass
Friday May 16 @ 1:30pm
elevated 1e9Et Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated 1e9Et Burial
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
elevated 1e9Et It is with extreme sadness that we must say goodbye to our wonderful mother, Rita Ann Shepherd, 87 years old, who passed away on May 13, 2025, in hospital after a long, courageously fought battle with dementia.
elevated 1e9Et Loving wife to the late Allen Shepherd for 47 years. Beloved mother (and the best Mom ever) to Anne O’Hare, (John, predeceased), Stephen Shepherd (Della) and Mary Bernard (Dan). Dear “Gramma” to Theresa, David and Jessica.
elevated 1e9Et Dear daughter of the late Peter and Marie Simmons, and stepmother Phyllis. Dear sister of Tom (Teresa) Simmons. Predeceased by sister Teresa Lehman (nee Simmons) and Leo Simmons. Rita’s passing is sadly mourned by many nieces and nephews.
elevated 1e9Et Rita was always smiling and loved being surrounded by people. She was fun to be around, made friends easily and often could be found chatting up strangers or people in the grocery checkout line. She liked to swim and enjoyed visiting “the cottage” (and she had a few to choose from). She also loved to travel, mostly with her sister Teresa, and was not adverse to trying her luck at the casino (and was sometimes pretty lucky).
elevated 1e9Et Visitation to commence at 11:30 am on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Holy Cross Funeral Home, 211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, to be followed by Catholic Funeral Mass at 1:30 pm. Internment will occur after the mass, followed by a light lunch and reception at the funeral home.
elevated 1e9Et In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of your choice.
To the Shepherd family, God Bless, your Mom is with rest of the family in Heaven.
Paul Simmons
Sending my deepest condolences to Stephen, Ann, Mary and families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sending much love through this most trying time.
Aunt Rita was beloved by all. She is now with the angels watching down on all of us. Uncle Leo, Aunt Teresa and my mom will welcome her into heaven.
My sincere condolences to your family.
I can remember your mom’s infectious laugh! It was wonderful! May she rest in peace until you meet again.
Anne, Mary and Stephen, we would like to give you our deepest condolences. We know how deeply you loved your mom. You put so much time into making sure she was well cared for and well loved. She was always so welcoming and kind every time I met her. I’m sure you have many wonderful memories of your time together that will help you through the next few weeks. Sending you hugs and love, Sue and Ron Keeble
My condolences. My heart goes out to the Shepherd and Simmons families. Hugs
Sending my deepest condolences Anne, Stephen,Mary and the family.She was a wonderful woman that I have many fond memories of 🙏
I’m thinking of you, Anne, Mary, and Stephen, as you grieve the loss of your mother.
With sympathy,
Patti
Uncle Tom, I’m sorry that you’ve had to say goodbye to your third sibling. You’ve had to carry too much loss, which is weighty, heavy on the heart.
With sympathy,
Patti
Dear Anne, Mary, and Stephen:
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved mother. When one of my sisters informed me that Aunt Rita recently required palliative care, I made a special effort to keep her in my thoughts and prayers each day. On the eve of your mother’s passing, I was praying for her and her grieving family shortly before receiving the news of her passing.
Please know that I will continue to pray for your mother and her loving family during the Mass of Christian Burial on May 16. In the meantime, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences during this difficult and distressing time in your lives.
Warmest regards,
Peter Simmons
(Victoria, BC)
My deepest condolences. I always loved spending time with “Auntie Rita”, she was such a warm and upbeat person. Sending love to the entire family during this difficult time.
Dear Mary, Anne, Stephen and families
How very sad to hear of your Mother’s passing. You were blessed to have had such a wonderful Mom.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Loretta
We’re so sorry to hear of Miss Rita’s recent passing. We had the pleasure of taking care of her at the retirement home she stayed in, and the most memorable moments were of her always vibing to music, singing with us and her infectious smile & laughter when we cracked jokes with her. May we all continue to remember the good times we’ve had with her and the impact she made in our lives, no matter how long or short she was with us all. Thankyou for letting us take care of you Rita — you will be forever missed.
We send nothing but love and prayers to Miss Rita’s family + friends!
Violet & Mara
Dear Anne, Stephen and Mary, Teresa, Jessica and David, Tom and Teresa.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your families. Rita’s funeral service was certainly a wonderful tribute to the sweet woman we all loved so much. It was a friendship we treasured and will always cherish. So many times I have missed my friend in the last few years. I am sure that she is rejoicing in the presence of God , the angels and her beloved family members. I hope you all take some time for yourselves to grief and rest. Love to all of you. Kathy and Herb