Obituary of Rita Smith

Rita Isabelle Smith (Nee Thaler) Aug 14, 1919 - Jan 5, 2016 Passed away in Kitchener, Ontario on Tuesday January 5, 2016 at the age of 96. Rita grew up in a happy household with four adoring older siblings and lived her entire life in Kitchener-Waterloo. Following high school she joined the Equitable Life Insurance Company where she met her husband Mervyn J. Smith, then its General Manager. Mervyn later became company President and a highly acknowledged contributor to the K-W community. Rita was greatly admired by all who knew her for her enthusiasm, good humour, easy and welcoming nature, and inquiring mind. She was always generous with her family. Rita had an extensive circle of friends and was the last remaining member of "The Club," a group of high school friends who continued to meet monthly for their entire lives. She enjoyed theatre, music and good books, and was an active community volunteer for many organizations including the Joseph Schneider Haus (her ancestral homestead), the Waterloo Historical Society, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Concert Association. During her tenure of over 40 years with the KW Hospital Auxiliary, she served as President and first volunteer coordinator. Rita travelled extensively with family and friends, continuing until she turned 90, and visited many countries and four continents. Her favourite activity was taking friends on country drives; getting lost was never a concern because "you always come out somewhere." Rita is lovingly remembered by her three daughters: Susan and husband David Tamblyn of Stratford, Nancy and husband Harold Gruber of Powell River, BC, and Barbara and husband Jim Wyche of Kitchener. She will also be sorely missed by her five grandchildren: Bob Tamblyn, Sarah Wyche, Andy Wyche, Jenny Hartwick, and Zach Gruber; and by her seven great grandchildren. Rita was predeceased by her husband Mervyn J. Smith, her parents Joseph and Christina Thaler, and her four older siblings: Irma Becker, Alfred Thaler, Stewart Thaler, and Charlotte Tuerk. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan 9, 2016 from 12-1:15 pm at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, followed by a memorial service at 1:30 pm in the chapel of the funeral home. Cremation has already taken place. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Grand River Hospital Foundation by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.