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RITA JOANNE WASSLEN  Obituary pic

RITA JOANNE WASSLEN

Born: Jun 20, 1938

Date of Passing: Jan 29, 2017

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RITA JOANNE WASSLEN "I am she who doing something for someone else makes me happy" Rita Joanne Wasslen entered into eternal peace on Sunday, January 29, 2017, at the Binscarth Curling Rink. Rita was born on June 20, 1938, to Florence and Gordon Orr. She married Harold Wasslen, her loving husband of 55 years, on April 29, 1961. They had three wonderful daughters before she began a lengthy career as a Lab and X-ray Technician in the Birtle and Russell communities. Rita retired to devote her life to her family and her community. She is survived by her husband, Harold; her three daughters, Brenda (Bob), Carol (Byron), Diane (Trent); 10 amazing grandchildren, Tanya (Keith), Drew, Dayne, Amy, Hanna, Tamara, Tori, Kianna, Emma and Reece; her brothers, Stan (Joy), Jim (Mary), as well as many other loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and family members. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Bill. A prayer vigil will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. from St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Russell, 332 Augusta St. E., Russell, MB. Her life will be celebrated with a funeral mass at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Russell, MB, on Friday, February 3, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. with Father Norberto Monton officiating. Interment will follow in the Binscarth Cemetery at a later date. If friends so desire, donations can be made in Rita's memory to the Binscarth Park and Pool, P.O. Box 205, Binscarth, MB R0J 0G0. Remembrances and condolences can be emailed to braendlebruce@mts.net. Grief is the price we pay for love. (Queen Elizabeth II) Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service, Russell, Manitoba are in care of arrangements (204) 773-2747.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2017

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • We extend condolences to Rita's family and friends on behalf of all Tour du Canada cyclists. Rita was a warm and friendly voice that we made contact with every year in arranging for our cross-Canada tour to camp in Binscarth. She was a great ambassador for the town and the friendly province of Manitoba. Sincerely Bud and Margot Jorgensen Tour du Canada - Posted by: Bud and Margot Jorgensen () on: Feb 12, 2017

  • I was so very sad to hear of Rita's passing. Hopefully as time passes you will find comfort in how loved and respected she was. She was always a friendly face when I used to come home to visit my mom, not to mention the time I spent there growing up. My sincere condolences to you all. - Posted by: Kim Woods (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2017

  • I want to offer my sincere condolences to Rita's family. I volunteered on a couple productions at Vagabond Theatre and had the opportunity to work with Rita. She was a wonderful caring woman who would do anything to help. The kids loved her and she would spend countless hours helping in the kitchen or sewing costumes and never asked for anything in return. She will be greatly missed! Heaven gained a beautiful angel! - Posted by: Amanda Fulcher () on: Feb 03, 2017

  • Rita was always willing to lend a hand and a kind word to everyone. She was the bright spot on the darkest day, the rainbow after the storm. She always made my mother smile on the days she visited before my mother passed away last year. I will always appreciate those moments. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Karen and Dave Stubbington (Friends) on: Feb 02, 2017

  • My heartfelt condolences to Rita's family. - Posted by: Lara Keller (Grand daughter of Alex Wasslen ) on: Feb 02, 2017

  • My heart goes out to you Harold and all of your family. I am so sorry to hear about Rita. We all know what a wonderful and loving lady she was and will be so missed. May you and your family find strength to get through this difficult time. There are no words to describe all she did for her family and community and she will not be forgotten. Grief never ends but it changes It's a passage not a place to stay Grief is not a sign of weakness Nor a lack of faith It is the price of love. Love and hugs to all of you. - Posted by: Marlene Low (Friend) on: Feb 02, 2017

  • You have left a legacy of caring, dedication and kindness to all in your community. You were the heart of Binscarth and you worked tirelessly to make it a wonderful community for young and old. When we arrived in Binscarth many years ago, you welcomed us and made us feel that we belonged. We offer our condolences to your beautiful family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Lorne and Brenda Lagimodiere () on: Feb 02, 2017

  • So sad to read this today...Rita was a 'mom' to so many kids growing up in Binscarth. She took a genuine interest in what I was doing and followed my career and always asked how my family was. I am so glad I got the chance to have lunch with Rita and Harold, Ken, Lorna and family this past fall here at Willow Park Golf & Country Club and get caught up on all the family news. To Harold, Brenda, Carol and Diane, your Mom was a very special lady and will be greatly missed...I wish I could be there in person....hugs to you all - Posted by: CATHY BURTON (FRIEND) on: Feb 02, 2017

  • Our deepest condolences to Rita's family - she was taken far too soon. A beautiful person she was, her spirit will be with you all forever. I think that she was a role model for so many and everyone that she touched. Rita was a very kind person and always had time for anyone who crossed her path. - Posted by: Marilyn and Dennis Smith (Friend) on: Feb 02, 2017

  • I just heard from my sister in Binscarth, that Rita had passed away. I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a lovely lady. I actually met Rita in 2014 when visiting my Mom who was not doing well. Rita was a very kind and compassionate lady and was a great help to both my sisters and myself. I spoke to her several times over the next several months and she was instrumental in assisting us when we celebrated my Mom's 90th Birthday in September 2015. Rita, being the person she was, offered to help out and without her help, I know Mom's Birthday would not have been as wonderful as it turned out to be without her. Regrettably, within a month, I was back to place my Mom in a Personal Care Home due to her having several falls. Again, Rita stepped up and offered to help me during this hard time. Unfortunately, my Mom passed away in March 2016, Rita again was there to offer her assistance any way she could and I appreciated her friendship and kindness. She had such a big heart. I am so thankful to have known Rita, and consider myself blessed to have been a friend of such a very special lady. I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and may Rita rest in peace. - Posted by: Carol & Miles Goetzie (Friend & daughter of the late Mae Blanchard) on: Feb 01, 2017

  • It is hard to know where to begin to speak of the importance of Rita's life to our family and to the community. As recently as last summer, on a whirlwind visit to Binscarth, Rita very kindly gave me the keys to the museum, where we wandered at our leisure, taking in all the memories of the community and my family. Rita was always there to help in any way, and she was especially kind to our parents as they aged in Binscarth, and we kids lived so far away. She loved my parents, and we all loved Rita. She was the heart that kept Binscarth beating, the brain that kept Binscarth on the map, and the energizing organizer that just got the job done. Her presence enriched all our lives, and her absence will be deeply felt in our hearts and souls. - Posted by: Fonda Willis (Cousin) on: Feb 01, 2017

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