Rita Raiwet of Whitewood passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016 at the age of 88 years.

Rita was born March 16, 1928 to Herman and Edesse Paquin. She grew up with her sister and two brothers. At the age of 16, she married the love of her life, John Raiwet, in June 1944. A love story it was. As a wedding gift, they received a quarter of land where they began to build their dream. It wasn’t long when in 1945 they had their first child, Joseph, followed by George, then Albert, Laurette, Laura, Bernadette, Anthony and Patricia. Yes, although it was a large family, they added to that family with David, Judy and Timothy. That dream saw the two of them build up the farm while raising a family. They built two homes and raised a barn that they held the odd dance in. Rita always had a large garden where there was no shortage of vegetables, and well-maintained flowers around the house. She also tended to milking cows, feeding pigs and chickens, as well as various other farm duties. What needed doing, she did. Rita had no problem feeding her family. She could throw together large meals while carrying on a full conversation, not skipping a beat. She often remarked that when times were tough, John would bring home about every creature that roamed the area, and she cooked it all.

Rita was always there to help when family needed it. She watched over her niece Therese when her father went to war. She looked after her father when he could no longer live alone. She also did the same for her uncle Joe Sage.
She also loved her family gatherings. When the Brules and Paquins all got together, it was the population of a small town. One day when Rita was at home alone with Patricia as a baby, she came to the realization that the chimney had started the roof of the house on fire. Always maintaining her composure, she called the fire department, then proceeded to climb the ladder with pails of water, putting it out before the fire department arrived. That was who Rita was - you just take care of it.

In 1985 Rita and John passed on the torch of farm life to their son, George, while Albert built them a new retirement home in Whitewood. First thing to go in - the garden. Rita never wanted to be the retired one who baked all day. To be active, she joined the Harmony Club where for 28 years she served the community, 26 of those as president. Rita was good at making people feel comfortable and always welcomed newcomers. She helped the members organize bus tours for site seeing, musical shows or shopping and supper, bookings for flu shots, Christmas dinners, club rentals, and ensured weekly card games were ready. They brought in guest speakers, had workshops and fashion shows to entertain seniors. Events were hosted such as District Crib Playoffs, Zone 1 Spades and Pipe-Si-Cana Games. She also sang with the Pleasant Company Singers. Nope, not a rocking chair Grandma.

It was in town that her daughters introduced her to the fame of golf. Who knew that would go so far. At her peak Rita and John were doing three rounds of golf a day. For many years, they walked the course, only in the last few opting to buy a cart. Rita enjoyed playing cards and spending time at the lake with her friends Joe and Florida or with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rita was so easy to talk to; she could talk to anyone about anything. She lived through some hard times, losing family, losing a son. She also lived an amazing life. She was proud of her accomplishments. She was proud of her children and what they accomplished. She had a long, healthy, retired life. She ensured that she made the best of every day and remained positive no matter what was on her mind. She lived her life on her terms to the last day on this earth.

Rita was predeceased by her husband John; her son Joe and foster child David Redman; her parents, Hermenegilde and Edessa (Decelle) Paquin; brother Ernest and Rose (Gerard) Paquin; sister Antoinette and George Brûlé; and brother René and Lea (Istace) Paquin. She leaves to cherish her memory: daughter-in-law Caroline of Canora; son George (Judy) of Whitewood and children, Robert (Marcy), Jessica, Karter of Whitewood, Christopher (Lesley), Callie, Ryder of Esterhazy; son Albert (Donna) of Whitewood and children, Marty (Shannon), Caleb, Hadley of Winnipeg, Kyle (Macey), Kolt, Bentley of Whitewood, Cole (Michelle), Ava, Harli of Whitewood, Britney (Chance), Kreedence, Daxton of Whitewood; daughter Laurette Raiwet of Grenfell; daughter Laura (Glen) Langford of Bredenbury and children, Mark (Tennille), Kaydence, MacKenna, Alexis of Regina, Ryan (Karen) of Yorkton; daughter Bernadette (Lyle) Robinson and children Megan (Justin), Aria, Ashley (Mitch), Zaiden of Regina; son Anthony (Wendy) and children Courtney, Curtis of Regina; daughter Patricia (Wayne) LaForge and children Joel, Clayton (Alison) of Coaldale, Alberta; foster children Judy Redman and Tim Richards; as well as several nieces and nephews.