Deaths

Landry Rita (nee MacLellan) 55 Rita passed away peacefully in St. Joseph's hospital Hamilton, on Friday, February 10, 2006. Born January 20, 1951 the daughter of the late Charles MacLellan and Catharine (Tompkins). Rita was born in Toronto where she attended school, graduated and by age 20 was in charge of reservations for all C.N. hotels in Canada. Her career was just blossoming when she met Leonard. He was a medical student, they were married he became a doctor, and they moved to Milton. Rita and Doctor Len were blessed with three children, Lennon, Sullavan, and Zachary whom they adored and their lives soon evolved around. This was not the end of the story for Rita. She had too much energy, love and generosity to be spent on others, not just her family who always came first. One of Rita's many talents was her singing voice. Although in grade school she was rejected from music class for singing off key, she knew better! She was harmonizing. She joined the "Sweet Adeline's" and she soon choreographed, designed costumes, and arranged the music which won her the North American Championship best harmonized quartet. She also loved to dance and was an excellent step dancer. Her Flare for Scottish music came naturally from the place she loved to spend her summers - Cape Breton. Anyone who was in Rita's company had to learn the basic step. (shuffle, hop a dot, dot) She taught hundreds this routine. While raising her children at home she also doubled as the secretary/bookkeeper for her husband, whose office was in their home. Their patients became their friends. It was Rita's warm and caring nature that filled their home with people. She hosted showers, weddings, wakes, sleigh rides, engagement parties, and countless birthday celebrations. She became involved in major environmental protests to stop contaminating the Niagara Escarpment. Soon she and Len where flying to Washington to meet Lois Gibbs (The love Canal) who also became a friend. Rita was instrumental in creating and obtaining funding for "Waste Wise" a successful recycling station in Georgetown. Because of this accomplishment along with countless other community minded efforts, Rita was awarded citizen of the year. For all the roles she played and love that she shared, the most important thing in Rita's life was her family, if her children were happy, she was happy. God bless you Rita. Thank you for sharing your love, kindness and continual support and teaching us how to..."put on the Ritz". Rita is predeceased by her beloved husband Len and her parents Charles and Catherine MacLellan. She is survived by her sister Myna Maclean (Roddie), her brother Jack MacLellan (Charlene) her brother Chuck MacLellan (Wendy) and her three children Lennon, Sullavan and Zachary. She will be greatly missed by all her cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2006 at St. George's Church Lowville. (Guelph Line north of Derry Rd. follow Derry Rd. west from Milton). Visitation from 11-12 and service at 12:00.