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RITA MAGDALINE MENZIES
Born: Mar 30, 1942
Date of Passing: Jun 19, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRITA MAGDALINE MENZIES
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Menzies (nee Suderman) on June 19, 2025.
She will be profoundly missed by Don Menzies her beloved husband of 57 years, her daughters Tanis, Jeannette, Jennifer and granddaughters, Grace and Olivia. She will also be missed by her brother Alvin Suderman, sister Ruth Suderman and extended family and many friends.
Born on March 30, 1942, in Kitchener, Ontario, Rita was educated in Winnipeg schools and graduated from the University of Manitoba. Rita taught Senior High mathematics and English literature over a period of ten years in Steinbach and at Kelvin High School.
A long time arts administrator, Rita served as General Manager of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra (MCO) for 25 years. Upon her retirement, a Winnipeg Foundation administered Endowment Fund for Arts Education was established by the MCO in her name.
Rita also served as Interim Operations Manager and Executive Director for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. She then became Festival Director of the annual Agassiz Chamber Music Festival for 11 years and held the role of President of the Agassiz Board until her passing.
Following her marriage to Don Menzies in 1968, and as a person of faith, Rita became very involved in Westminster United Church, singing in the choir and chairing various committees.
Rita was a person of extraordinary dedication, integrity, talent, devotion and above all, an example of that famous ‘Mennonite work ethic’. For her family she was a pillar of strength and a constant source of support and inspiration.
Rita loved travelling, reading, cooking and aqua-size classes at Kinsman Sherbrook Pool. Late in her retirement she took up drawing and watercolour classes.
Memorial donations may be made to the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and the Agassiz Chamber Music Festival. A private Celebration of Life has taken place.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2025
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I met Rita in the early 1970's as a fellow English teacher at Kelvin High school where she was known as an inspirational and joyful person, always ready to help in the class. Then, when she retired and became the General Manager of the MCO, it was she who made it the success it has become, a centre point for music in our province! She will be greatly missed! - Posted by: Barbara Anhang (Fellow teacher and music lover) on: Aug 02, 2025
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Had the pleasure of knowing Don and Rita for many years, Don as a co-worker and both as friends. - Posted by: Neil and Iris Kehler (Co-Worker) on: Jul 26, 2025
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We will miss Rita! We enjoyed all the wonderful chats about so many things! What a font of knowledge she was! - Posted by: Loretta Kampeas and John Gartner (Neighbour for 42 years) on: Jul 07, 2025
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One of my favourite teachers in Steinbach Grade 9. A lovely person!! - Posted by: Marlene Stoesz (Grade 9 student) on: Jul 05, 2025