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MARITA ERIKA KITH (ROHDE) (KISSACK)
Date of Passing: Mar 12, 2021
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MARITA ERIKA (KISSACK) KITH
(nee ROHDE)
On June 23, 1949, Gus and Nelly Rohde, along with her "big old sister" Brigitte, welcomed Marita into the world in Bremke, Germany. In 1953 the family immigrated to Winnipeg, and in 1960 they settled into their brand new home on Arrowwood Drive North. Brigitte and Marita were often seen driving their Honda 50 or Karmann Ghia convertible to Garden City Collegiate, beehives secured against the wind! Marita thoroughly enjoyed her childhood… hot chocolate and toast with her sister, family dinners with her cousins, Dirk and Brita, sneaking off to the Bay, and family road trips.
In 1969, Marita married her high-school sweetheart Garfield Kissack. Over the next five years, she obtained her BA from University of Winnipeg, taught courses at RRCC, and passed her real estate exams. Garfield followed her into the real estate profession and together they became the proud owners of Mr. and Mrs. Real Estate.
During this same busy time, Marita became Mom, welcoming Chad, Coco and Kierra Kissack into the world. Marita LOVED being a Mom. She was frequently seen scooting to open houses with her blonde, brunette and red head in tow. She played with us, taught us important (and unimportant) lessons, kissed all our booboo's away, and was always 100 percent there for us, even when we messed up bad (although those experiences were always accompanied by the Mom look). She also LOVED being an Auntie to Ryan and Dee DeLeeuw (and families). Her niece and nephew always reciprocated all the love she had for them.
Mom relived many memories through story telling, especially stories from the days at Lake of the Woods: her and her sister cramming all five kids into the backseat to go get chips in Kenora; snowmobile and ATC rides (and accidents); eating Omi's pancakes; watching Opi haul gas down the stairs for the endless waterskiing; removing mostly dead fishflies and frogs from pockets; and many games of Pass the Ace.
At the age of 33, Marita became a single Mom, and faced all the challenges head on. The family was as out of control as the hairdos in the 80s, but there was always food in the fridge, clean clothes in the closet, presents under the tree and unconditional love and encouragement for us to be the best versions of ourselves.
Mom grew her amazing network of friends over the coming years. When she wasn't busy with her best friend Diana working at their own company MaryLynn Cleaning, or, living the dorm life in Brandon while enrolled in Psychiatric Nursing program, she could be found enjoying the car races, at a cottage or campground fishing, snowmobiling on a winter trail, at a bar dancing the night away, or sitting in a sunray absolutely anywhere with a good book or junk magazine.
In 1993, the joy exploded out of Marita when she became a first time Grandma to Kitzianna. Over the years, her love of Grandma-ing extended to Griffin, Daveena, Jazmyn, Arriana and Katerina. She was their rock, always available to each for a laugh, a cry, a hug, or a kiss. She also became Mother-in-law to Krystal and Jeff, and really enjoyed having two more kids to boss around.
In 1999, Mom married Dennis Kith and enjoyed eight years of camping, Nutimik cottage, ice-fishing, blues bands and friends and family. She became Aunt to the Demski boys, and enjoyed every minute spent with them.
In 2001, her 'family" grew immensely when she started working at St. Amant Centre. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and sometimes with tears, telling work stories about her clients, colleagues, and letters to the CEO. She was a fierce advocate for the clients.
In 2012, Mom exploded again with joy when she became a great-grandma to Mackenzie, and again three years later to "little April". Her face lite up even brighter when she was being "Omi", all except for a tobogganing trip to the Forks, but that's a story for another time.
Finally, at the age of 69, Mom retired. She filled her days with visits to her Dad's home to watch wrestling, lunches with her sister, and trying (and failing) to make a decent batch of slime for Mac and April.
Mom was totally not impressed with her diagnosis, but true to her realistic approach to all life issues and her positive attitude, she found the silver lining and was thrilled that she had the chance to be surrounded by the love from those she loved the most, whether in person, through text, phone calls or Facetime chat.
Mom and her family wish to thank the amazing staff at Victoria Hospital, CancerCare, Palliative Care, the MAID team, and all the family and friends that filled her days. We also need a special shout-out to all the anonymous blood donors that made the last eleven months possible - thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
There will be a private family ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Winnipeg Harvest or RaY (Resource Assistance for Youth), or if you are up to it, a blood donation.
The world is full of amazing people, and she was one of them. Rejoice with the crows everyone!
Condolences for the family may be left at
www.alternacremation.ca.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 20, 2021
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Here we sit broken hearted missing you so much Marita! We miss all the good times and wonderful stories you always shared with us. Your laughter was contagious and sense of humor admired by all who knew you. Our working days and after work get togethers will never be the same without you. Just thinking of your warm smile brightens our days and keeps our memories of you alive. Before you left us you told us that you wanted to come back as a crow because crows are most protective of their family. Well we know that your family was most important in your life and that you are looking down on your loved ones and keeping them close. Your love for life was unconditional and you taught us that forgiveness, communication and friendship were most important in our lives. You are the strongest most caring person we know and we will miss you always and think of you often! Until we meet again as the 3 Amigos (Marita, Carol & Karen). - Posted by: Carol Crawford & Karen Vernon (Friends) on: Dec 20, 2021
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It's truly disappointing that a woman with such a zest for life-doesn't get a really long one. I gave blood last month-14000 km away from where I met Marita and the "Kissack" kids and thought of the great memories I had of her. Our families camped together and I jogged with Marita a few times on those prairie summer mornings. I remember how we would all pile in for us girls to head out to our soccer games, music blasting. I have a vivid memory of her sitting on the floor of Mandalay Drive, doing a Mr and Mrs. Real Estate Latch Hook. My sisters and I would follow suit and started doing this craft as well. Whether it was genetic or environmental, there was always going to be adventure and kindness when Marita and her brood were around. No doubt her children have inherited the best of these qualities and her legacy will live on. Vale Marita. - Posted by: Pamela Zorn (former neighbour) on: Sep 10, 2021
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Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear sister Marita. I remember her bubbly personality and an ever ending smile. I know she will be deeply by all her family and friends. Yours most sincerely, Bonnie Dyson - Posted by: Bonnie Dyson (friend of Marita's sister) on: Mar 22, 2021
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We are so sorry and saddened to hear of Marita’s passing. She was such a loving, caring and thoughtful person and always enjoyed life to it’s fullest. She was passionate about her job and worked very hard to help others and her family. She was a true friend and always had so many stories that always got you laughing. She had a real love of life and will be missed by all who loved her. Rest In Peace Marita. - Posted by: Vida and Brian Reader (Friend ) on: Mar 21, 2021
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What a beautifully written tribute to Marita -- you've touched on all her amazing qualities especially her love of her children, grand and great-grandkids. Condolences to the Kissacks and extended family. Would have loved another twenty years enjoying Marita's company. Will miss the laughs and the stories. - Posted by: Lisa and Rob (Family friends) on: Mar 21, 2021
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Marita provided respite for our daughter Chelsey for many years, we were all so saddened to hear of her passing. She was nothing more than a bright and cheerful light in our family circle. Sending our sincere condolences to all of you, you all were truly the reason for her existence, she spoke of you all the time, it felt like we knew you all. May her beautiful smile and laughter live on in all of you. Terry, Mary Lou and Chelsey - Posted by: Mary Lou Chubaty (Respite worker) on: Mar 21, 2021
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As I came upon Marita's obituary tonight, I was in a state of disbelief. Brigitte, Marita, Gloria Panos from California and Ron Borger from Bannerman Ave. and I spent a most wonderful summer together during our teens. I remember all the fun we had, the many yummy cookies we ate from the German bakery and wishing the summer would never end. Marita's life was certainly full but it was much too short. She had so much more for which to live. To say I am saddened is an understatement. I empathize with the loss of an amazing Mother. As you grieve together, wrap yourselves in each other and remember all the wonderful memories you share that will never ever be dulled. Love to all of you. - Posted by: Lana Thiessen-Storey ("childhood" friend) on: Mar 20, 2021
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Marita will be missed by many people. She made us feel like family when we shared Granddaughters. What A great lady to have known. She liked to tell her life story. She definitely a determined, brave woman. Love to the family. - Posted by: Leanne and Ray Bremault (Friend) on: Mar 20, 2021
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Tony and I are so very sorry for your loss. We will always remember your mom’s smile, laughter and energy. Gus and Nellie’s family were the most kind and welcoming family to everyone. Very fond memories of love and joy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tony and Marjorie Guertin - Posted by: Marjorie Guertin (Friend of family) on: Mar 20, 2021
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I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Marita. It has been ages since I went to University of Manitoba in Education where I met Marita and a group of us were student teachers together at Bertrun E. Glavin School. I could never forget Marita's big smile and her love of life. She was such a fun person to learn with. My deepest condolences to her family. - Posted by: June Pospishell (student teaching at Bertrun E. Glavin School) on: Mar 20, 2021
