Rita Murray

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Murray (nee Clements), a beloved wife and mother who passed away on June 25, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born in Essex, United Kingdom, Rita was the daughter of the late Harold and Dora, and sister to the late Terrence.

In 1962 Rita married her devoted husband, John, and together they enjoyed a wonderful sixty-three years together. They welcomed two children, Susan in 1966, and Glenn in 1970. In 1979 they began a new chapter of their life and moved to Canada, where Rita brought her gentle spirit to work in a lady’s dress shop, but ultimately moved to the role of executive assistant to a Director of a Christian Charity. It was in this role that her natural gifts and personality excelled.

For thirty-one years Rita and John lived in Ontario before moving to British Columbia in 2010. Sadly, Rita developed Parkinson’s disease in 2008 which gradually caused extensive physical incapacities. Despite this Rita faced her illness with a quiet strength, unwavering dignity, a sense of humour, and her faith as the disease progressed.

Rita will be sorely missed, but we rejoice that she is home with the Lord. She will be remembered for her devotion to the Lord, love for her family, her lovely smile, and the kindness she showed to everyone. She leaves behind her loving husband John, daughter Susan, her son Glenn and daughter-in-law Beth. She also leaves behind five grandchildren (Stephen, Sascha, Evan, Colin, and Sean) and three great grandchildren (Malakhai, Shylo, and William).

A Celebration of Life will be held at Crescent Gardens (1222 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC), on July 21 at 2pm to honour and celebrate Rita. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada.