Rita Canham

It is with sadness the family of Euphrasie Rita Canham (nee Lesperance) announce her passing on January 1, 2018 at the age of 96 years. Rita was born on April 2, 1921 on the family farm and grew up in the Willow Bunch area. Predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Jack Canham in 1990; her parents Edmond and Josephine (Beaupre) Lesperance; siblings Alexis Lesperance (Marie), Edmond Lesperance (Maria), Josephine Dessailly (Leon), Victor Lesperance (Blanche), Ovila Lesperance (Eveline), Jean Louis Lesperance (Marie), Louisa Lesperance, Ernest Lesperance (Adeline), Eugene Lesperance; six siblings in infancy; sister-in-law Pearle Edwards (Reg); brother-in-law Ralph C. Canham (Thelma); as well as several nieces and nephews. Rita is survived by her sister-in-law Laurette Lesperance and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rita volunteered and joined the Canadian Armed Forces in the 2^nd World War and was a proud war veteran having served for three years as part of the Women’s Corps. After the war she met and married Jack Canham on June 24, 1947 and took up residence one year later on North Halifax Street which at that time was part of the RM of Sherwood. They resided there for their entire married life until Jack passed away on October 27, 1990. Rita, together with her husband, were accomplished gardeners and owned and showed several champion Samoyed dogs, which they walked daily in their neighbourhood. Rita was also a lifetime member of the Regina Humane Society.

 Rita worked for Swiss Jewellers in Regina for over 25 years and retired from there in the early 1980’s. She was an avid Blue Jays and Saskatchewan Roughriders fan. Rita kept current on city, provincial, and federal affairs and could always engage in a good conversation and debate. Rita also enjoyed playing cribbage with her friends and family.

 The family would like to thank the nurses and physicians on Ward 4B and the Palliative Care Unit at the Pasqua Hospital for their compassionate care.

 Prayer service will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 425 Broad Street North, Regina, SK. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations in Rita’s memory to the Regina Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.