It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Rita Gourlay of Red Deer, Alberta at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at the age of 80 years. Rita was born on April 10, 1939 in Miscouche, P.E.I., where she lived until she was nineteen. She then moved to Montreal, where she met William Shatner, before he was famous. Rita married Richard Taylor and they had five children. In 1977, their family moved to Red Deer; where Rita soon became involved in the community. She worked at numerous jobs, including the “Stores” Department at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. She was recognized by the Canadian Red Cross for her multiple blood donations and also, for Research purposes through the Breast Screening Services. Rita was an active member of the Red Deer Legion and the Golden Circle, and enjoyed singing with the Church Choir, and The Tony Connelly Singers. She was often seen dancing at the Legion. Until she had a stroke, she enjoyed those activities. Rita’s last residence was at Aspen Ridge; where she was well known to motivate others to participate in activities. She only wanted to help others and the love she shared was incomparable, especially for her children and sisters. Rita will be lovingly remembered by her son, Wayne Taylor of Red Deer; her daughters, Theresa Baldwin of Red Deer, Allison Taylor of Calgary, Alberta, Lisa Taylor of Edmonton, Alberta and Tricia Taylor of Vancouver, British Columbia; and her three grandchildren. She will also be sadly missed by her sisters, Millie Cutter of Maine, United States, Auldine Arsenault of Miscouche, P.E.I, and Doreen Forrester of Guelph, Ontario. A Celebration of Rita’s Life will be held at the Sunnybrook United Church, 12 Stanton Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. with The Reverend Ross Smillie officiating. If desired, Memorial Donations in Rita’s honor may be made directly to the CNIB at www.cnib.ca or to the Golden Circle, 4620 – 47A Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 3R4. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Innisfail, Alberta.

• Date : 2019-11-05
• Location : Red Deer