It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Rita Randle nee Desson on April 14, 2025 in Parksville, BC. Rita passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with a number of health challenges. She was pre-deceased by her husband John Stevenson Randle and leaves her daughter Kerry Lee Randle and son John Stevenson Randle to mourn.
Rita was born in Chapleau, Ontario and realized her dream of becoming a teacher after graduating high school. Her varied career in education spanned 38 years in four provinces (Ontario, Quebec, PEI, and BC) as she shared her knowledge, skill, and exceptional ability to support students’ learning needs in Physical Education, the elementary classroom, and in various special education programs. In 2001, Rita retired in Victoria where she spent her retirement days enjoying excursions and visits with her many friends.
In her later years, Rita demonstrated inspirational courage as she fought a series of ongoing health challenges. She was always very grateful for the excellent support she received from her medical team and wanted to extend thanks to all the health care workers and physicians who provided her with such excellent care over many years. Special thanks to Dr. David McNaughton, Dr. Anthony Della Siega, Dr. René Weir, Dr. David Miller, and Dr. Rachel Carson. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to the Palliative Care team in Nanaimo Regional Hospital and to the doctors, nursing staff, and volunteers at Trillium Lodge Hospice in Parksville who showed such care and kindness during Rita’s final days.
Upon request, no service will occur. Those interested in honouring Rita are asked to donate to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca
and/or the BC Cancer Foundation https://www.bccancerfoundation.com
“Valour is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul.”
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Randle” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Heather Munro Hildreth
Dear Kerry and John,
My Mom, Adele Munro, let me know about Rita’s passing last month, and I am so sad to hear about your mom’s death. I want to extend my heartfelt thoughts to you both. I will be making a donation in her honour, so thank you for providing some of her preferred charities. I treasure my memories of Rita, and it was such a blessing to know her. Her love of family, friends, and her students is an inspiration, and I hope that you take comfort in her legacy. I also admired her tireless knitting projects for the homeless people while she was living in Victoria, and I imagine that they miss her as well! I am sending you warm wishes and positive thoughts. Sincerely, Heather Munro Hildreth