Rita Elizabeth (MacLeod) Astephen

Rita Astephen

North Sydney

It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend Rita Astephen on February 23, 2020. Rita peacefully passed away with her loving husband Bernie by her side.

Rita was born to the late Bart and Allina MacLeod of Sydney Mines on October 31, 1949. During her working career Rita worked for Nickerson Fish Plant and was a personal care worker for a number of special people where she made life-long friendships. Taking care of family was one of mom's most important careers. Rita also spent many years as a volunteer for the Northern Yacht Club as well as a cub leader and volunteered for St. John's Ambulance.  Rita and Bernie loved camping and boating with their family and friends. When they were around you could be sure there would be a laugh or two.

Rita is survived by her husband and love of her life Bernie, children Dwayne (Betty), Kim (Kevin) and Denise as well as her step-sons Norman (Theresa), Alan (Brandy) and Paul (Kelly) and the light of her life, her grandchildren Gregory, Jordan, Hayley, Larissa, Kelsey, Drummer, Bella, Jersey, Sophia, Joselyn and Aurora. She is also survived by six sisters, four brothers as well as her Astephen brothers and sisters-in-law.

Besides her parents Rita was predeceased by her son Robert Wayne (in infancy) and two brothers, her mother and father-in-law.

The family would like to thank the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, Palliative Care staff, as well as the VON for the wonderful care that was provided. A special thank you to Louise and Michel McKeough for their years of dedication to mom's health.

Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph's Church in North Sydney with Rev. Doug MacDonald officiating.  Memorial donations may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com.  

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