My Mum-in-law Rita
I’ve known Rita since1984, although I think I met her before that, when she was visiting
‘Uncle Roy’ in the Tyrell Hospital where I worked, in 1982 or 1983.
Rita and Reg were great in-laws, always very generous. They helped us out when we really needed it. They always gave the children money, at Christmas and for birthdays, so they could have swings and bikes and Gameboys. They paid towards the children’s first foreign holiday, another thing we would not have been able to afford. They paid for their driving
lessons although that was long after Reg was gone. Rita honoured his wish to get them both driving.
After Reg’s death I spent more time with Rita and really got to know her. She was a lovely person. We had lunches, excursions, shopping trips, Rita loved a bargain so a trip to all the ‘bargain stores’ was always in order.
She shared some of her family stories with me and we looked at old photos. I also spent a fair bit of time with her while she was napping, I often wondered if she ever watched a whole TV programmes as she’d often drop off.
I hope I was a good daughter-in-law? We didn’t always share the same opinions but we knever fell out. I was always happy to help and support her through various health issues.
Even though I don’t think she was always impressed with my efforts to get her mobile again.
I shall miss Rita, I’ve missed our chats since she’s been gone. I even miss helping her do
her online shopping and the odd calls to ask me to order something on line.
The thing I shall miss most is that hug when I went home, which got smaller and smaller
over the years as she did, but were no less fierce. I thinks she always made the most of
physical contact, I think she really missed that, living alone. Nannie Rita always loved a cuddle with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and they loved it too.
Rest in peace Rita, you will always be in our hearts.
Lots of Love
Terri
Terri Held
08/07/2025
