Obituary of Rita Shirley Mae Keith

Surrounded by her family the passing of Rita Keith, wife of George L. Keith occurred unexpectedly on Friday, July 2, 2010 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. She was born on August 23, 1930 to the late Raymond and Ida (Sabean) Lewis. Rita will be remembered for her strong love of life and was happiest surrounded by her family. She also enjoyed the tranquility and beauty of nature, capturing this on canvas through her talent for painting. For several years, Rita was a proprietor of “Salon Valencia” on Millidge Ave, a clerk at Sears, along with being an accomplished “Avon” representative. Her greatest devotion and accomplishment however, was the upbringing and care of her family which never ended. Besides George, her devoted husband of over 62 years, Rita is survived by their six children: Sharon (Thomas/deceased) Wetmore, Bonnie (Brian) Belyea, Darlene Cromwell and Robert Keith all of Saint John, Elaine (Robert) Elkin of Grand Bay-Westfield and Cindi-Lee (Barry) Campbell of Morrisdale; two sisters: Flora Bickford and Connie Currie; brother, Stephen Russell; ten grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Rita was predeceased by her parents; brothers: Floyd Lewis and Earl Russell and sister, Joan Chappell. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). At family’s request there will be no visitation. The funeral service will be from Brenan’s Chapel on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 2:00 PM. It would be appreciated by the family, in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to your church, Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children, Saint John Regional Hospital Dialysis Unit or St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation.