Loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Rita was born in Port Alice, B.C. to Eric and Elvera Ericson on December 29, 1944 and passed away February 11, 2012 after a recurrence of cancer.

Rita is survived by her loving husband Max, daughter Kim Van Bruggen (Ralph) and grandchildren Kira, Kale and Aidan, son Darian (Paula) and grandchildren Lucas and Jack, sisters Wilma Tydeman (Dave), Lorna McDonell (Lea) and brother Leif Ericson. Rita's best and happiest times were with her children and grandchildren. She loved being a grandma-especially sewing clothes and costumes for the kids when they were younger. She was a woman who knew numbers and her bookkeeping expertise is widely known and appreciated by many. The last few years she enjoyed helping people on the Sage Simply Accounting forum where her answers were detailed and where many sought her knowledge. Reaching out to people was a gift-whether through the forum or in person. Rita found a way to help and stay in touch with her many friends and relatives. With the advent of Facebook she was able to stay connected to her nieces and nephew in Sweden and their growing families.

After meeting the love of her life, Max at a single parent's gathering in Vancouver, the now expanded family of four moved to Kamloops where they spent 25 years. Kamloops was the home of Max's parents and sisters and Rita became an important part of the Deering family. Rita worked as a bookkeeper for Robo Transport before moving to Victoria to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. She loved her job as a bookkeeper and quickly found clients in Victoria where she continued to do the work that she was so passionate about. As the children and grandchildren grew, Rita enjoyed many activities-one of her favourites was bike rides along the Galloping Goose with Max and her dear friends Donna and Bill.

The last few months of her life were filled with love. She died peacefully with her family by her side. She is now looking out for all of us as one of "Josie's Angels." We love and miss you mom.

A Celebration of Rita's life will be held at the Friendship Community Church, 7820 Central Saanich Rd., Victoria, B.C., Monday, February 20th, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.