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Rita Catherine Heffernan, a resident of Harbourstone Enhanced Care facility, Sydney, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2012, at her residence.
Born in New Waterford, she was a daughter of the late John Archie and Mary Catherine (MacFarlane) Gillis.
Rita had a teaching career that spanned 35 years and retained many fond memories of the students she taught. As a community member of the Sisters of Charity from 1945 to 1961, Rita taught in Brooklyn, NY, Nova Scotia and Alberta schools. In 1962 Rita left the community. She subsequently taught in Edmonton, Alberta, Halifax and retired in 1980, having spent her last 10 years teaching at Cornwallis School in Sydney, NS.
She was a former member of St. Joseph Parish, New Victoria and faithfully supported her parish over the years. In her retirement, she and her husband Harold enjoyed many happy summers at their summer home in Margaree, Cape Breton. Rita also enjoyed oil painting, playing piano and listening to music.
Rita is survived by her sisters, Margaret (Peggy) Howell, Sydney, Rose (Mrs. Florian LeBlanc), Whitney Pier, Sr. Grace Gillis SC, Halifax; many nieces and nephews; step-children and her extended family at the Spanish Bay unit of the Harbourstone Enhanced Care facility.
She was predeceased by her husband, Harold Heffernan; sisters, Tena Campbell, Sister Lydia Gillis S.C.; and brothers, Alexander, Hugh, John Angus, Myles, New Waterford, and Joseph, Antigonish.
There will be no visitation. A funeral mass of celebration will be held Monday, February 6, 2012, at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard with Father Victor Ozoufuanya officiating. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.

Condolences

• Sheila Smith on February 5th, 2012

  “Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, we have fond memories of Rita on the hill in Margaree. Rest in Peace. Sheila, Debra & Helen Smith (Anne Smith)”

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• Rest in Peace

  Grace Neville on February 4th, 2012

  “Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.May God bless you Aunt Rita.”

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• Rest in Peace

  Ray and Rita Russell & Family on February 4th, 2012

  “Aunt Rita has joined my Dad and Mom to rest eternally with the Lord. God Bless!”

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• Len Neville on February 4th, 2012

  “Mrs. Heffernan taught us in grade primary at Cornwallis. My friends and I will always remember her. Rest in Peace”

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