LOVEROCK, Marguerite Joan ‘Rita’ (nee Stewart) Born May 29, 1930 in Victoria, BC. Our social butterfly spread her wings and left us on February 11, 2018. Rita had a unique childhood, growing up in the Esquimalt Drydock because of her dad’s profession. She had a special gift for telling stories, and had many interesting recollections of her early years. She was mom to: Kathy (Doug); Mike; Karen; Jan (Brad). Nana to: Erin; Carrie; Brent; Kaela; Kim; Spencer; Callum and Clayton. Nana Rita to: Addie; Quinn; Fletcher; Stella and Harper. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews. Rita lost her parents, Hugh Vallance Stewart, and Evelyn, early in life, and shared a special relationship with her oldest sister Dorothy Lockhart, and Ralph. She was predeceased by all her siblings: Dorothy; Irene; Grace; Stan, and their spouses. Rita was able to travel to a few favourite places, (Hawaii, Scotland, and many places in BC) with friends and family, before dementia began stealing her memory and making her ‘lose the plot’, as she would say. Dementia never blurred her kind spirit though. Rita was pleasant, loving and friendly; and enjoyed and loved music; pets and people to the end. She was an avid outdoorswoman; an independent spirit; and was accomplished at sewing, crochet and needlework. She loved puzzles and crosswords; and was talented at sketching and painting. After retiring from CIBC, Rita was able to convert her love of animals to a post retirement ‘career’ of pet sitting. She was able to enjoy watching a hockey game, even well after a stroke forced a move to residential care. All her friends and family will deeply miss her sweet smile, and kind, gentle personality. She had a wonderful sense of humour that she shared with many. We are forever grateful for the many kind and compassionate caregivers; nurses and other staff at Lynn Valley Care Centre. Thank you to McKenzie Funeral Services. No service by Rita’s request. Any donation in her name to: Heart and Stroke; BCSPCA; Wildlife Rescue; Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated. XO to our May princess.