Sister Rita MacDonald, CSJ (Sister M. Augustine), of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada, Peterborough neighbourhood, entered into her eternal rest at Mount St. Joseph, Peterborough, Ontario, on Saturday, December 12th, 2015, in her 95th year of life and in the 65th year of her religious life.
She is lovingly remembered by the members of her religious community.
She is survived by her brothers Walter (Lois), Leo (Sandra), Bernard (Anne) and George (Catherine), her sister, Theresa MacIsaac, sister-in-law Victoria and many loving nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Stephen J. MacDonald and Veronica (Campbell) and by her brothers John (Mildred), William (Joan), Kenneth, and Ronald, and by her sisters Annie McIntyre (Stewart), Amelia Mallard (Augustus), Margaret McInerney (Jack), Gertrude Peters (Leo), Mary Catherine and her brother-in-law Rudy MacIsaac.
Rita was born in North Lake, Prince Edward Island, received her education in P.E.I. and became a teacher. Prior to joining the Sisters, Rita taught in P.E.I. Schools and during 1941-1944 worked in administration for the Federal Government in Ottawa as Civil Servant for RCAF Headquarters. She returned to teaching in P.E.I. for a few more years before deciding to enter religious life as a Sister. As a Sister of St. Joseph, Sr. Rita continued her teaching ministry as teacher and principal in Peterborough, Kirkfield, St. Andrew’s West, Honey Harbour, Port Hope, and Campbellford. After teaching for thirty five years she attended Providence College in Rhode Island and graduated with an M.A. in Religious Studies. She became Head of the Religion Department at St. Peter’s High School, Peterborough, from 1978-1985, before retiring from teaching. She was well known as an excellent teacher. Sr. Rita went on to study in preparation for her new ministry of Spiritual Direction and pioneered the Faith Development Center in Lindsay as its Director for six years. In 1994 Sr. Rita returned to Mount St. Joseph where she remained active in a variety of ministries of service to the Sisters, providing scripture courses, and engaging in telephone and letter writing ministries. Sister Rita will be remembered for her great ability to connect with many people.
Visitation will be at Mount St. Joseph, 1555 Monaghan Road, on Wednesday, December 16th, from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at Mount St. Joseph, Peterborough, Ontario, on Thursday, December 17th, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be Highland Park Cemetery, Peterborough, Ontario.
Arrangements entrusted to Comstock Funeral Home and Cremation Centre. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com.

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