Gracefully she skipped down the country road, across the wheat fields, through the meadows to the babbling brook – where the birds chirp an extra note in their melodies, flowers bloom more fragrantly, the sun shines brighter, skies stay forever blue, and people always have smiles. It is with incredible heartbreak that we announce the peaceful passing of our beautiful, loving mom, gramma, sister, and friend, Mrs. Rita Marie Brophy on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the age of 80 years. She was surrounded by the family she loved more deeply than anything. Sadly, just nineteen days earlier, her husband of sixty-one years, Garry, quietly passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Rita was born on January 17, 1944, in Trochu, Alberta, to Carl and Leona Jensen. Rita was the sixth of eight children in a lively, bustling country household. She grew up surrounded by the warmth and chaos of a large family, an experience that deeply shaped her kind and nurturing spirit. When she was only fourteen years old, her mother passed away suddenly. Despite her young age, Rita stepped into the role of caregiver, cooking meals, and looking after her younger siblings. It began a lifetime dedicated to caring for others, a role she fulfilled with endless love and grace. Rita was a woman who loved profoundly and instantly. She had a natural ability to make others feel cherished and was famous for her delicious meals, often whipped up at a moment’s notice. She had an uncanny ability to know when someone needed help, often lending a hand to a stranger without hesitation. For nearly fifty years, Rita worked as a Dental Assistant and loved every moment of her days at the clinic. She played a pivotal role in the Central Alberta Dental Assistant Association, where her dedication and work ethic shone brightly. Rita’s dedication to others always came before her own needs, and her care for dad left us a testament to the deep and enduring love and dedication she had for him over their sixty-one years. To say that she will be missed does not begin to capture the volume of our loss.
Rita leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and endless giving. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Lance (Jacqollyne) and Rochelle (Jeffery); her cherished grandchildren, Koltyn (Kailin), Mickayla (Curtis), and Alexis. She will also be sadly missed by her siblings, Eileen (Jack), Phyllis (Marshal) and Mary Glenn (Jim); and her sisters-in law, Norma and Debbie, along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors who she treated like family. Rita was predeceased by many who await her, including her parents, Carl and Leona; her son, Baby Lance Joseph; her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and most recently, her devoted husband, Garry.
In Rita’s memory, we urge everyone to honor her by sharing kindness with others. A small act of generosity, a friendly smile, or a helping hand will continue her legacy in the most fitting way. We are deeply grateful to the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre Staff for the care they provided in her final days, to Tony and Patti Morris, and her other friends, whose love and support brought her comfort beyond measure. If desired, and in lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Rita’s honor may be made directly to the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES) at www.cawes.com. Rita, you were truly an angel among us.
A Celebration of Rita’s and Garry’s Lives were held at Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2024-06-16
• Location : (Red Deer) Locally Family Owned (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com