Rita Genevieve Lawrence

For those unable to attend the service, the link to the livestream will be available HERE on the day of the service.  The livestream will go live approximately 5 minutes before the event.

It is with heavy hearts, yet with deep gratitude for a long and beautiful life well-lived, that the family announces the passing of Rita Genevieve Lawrence (nee Bourgeault), at the age of 96.  

Rita was born on February 28, 1930, in Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan, the tenth of eleven children born to her parents. She attended grade school in Blaine Lake before moving with her parents to Saskatoon, where she attended Sion Academy, graduating in 1948. Following high school, Rita completed a business course at Technical Collegiate and went on to work for Revenue Canada and then the U of S Veterinary Department in the virus lab until she married and later became a stay at home mom.

In 1952, Rita married the love of her life, Donald Lawrence of Colonsay, SK. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and community, raising six children. Rita was a woman of devout faith and a proud, dedicated member of the Catholic Women’s League since 1948. When her children were young, she was actively involved with St. Joseph’s Home and School Association.

Rita and Don shared a vibrant social life, dancing through the years as members of the Merry Martins and Odds and Ends square dance clubs. Some of her fondest memories were camping trips spent together when their children were small.

In their later years, they cherished the many happy winters they spent together soaking up the sun in Florida. After their Florida years, they moved to St. Volodymyr Condo which was a place they both enjoyed. Rita and Don shared a lifelong passion of playing cards together and with friends. After Don passed, Rita kept that competitive spark alive, constantly seeking out the challenge of new card games and even mastering bridge. Rita was involved on the condo board and had many groups of card playing friends close by.

Rita possessed an independent spirit and a remarkably sharp mind and loved a good mental challenge. When she wasn’t playing cards, she could often be found solving crossword puzzles or playing a lot of Wordle. She lived independently in her own condo until her 96th birthday when a fall necessitated a move. Even as her physical health began to fail, Rita remained determined to stay connected. She was a modern matriarch who kept in touch with her large family via emails, text messages, and phone calls. Upon moving into St. Anne’s Home for her final two months, she characteristically made history by being the very first resident to ask about WIFI coverage.

Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald Lawrence, her parents and all ten of her siblings: brothers Leo, George, Joseph, and Arthur; and sisters Angeline, Anne, Bertha, Marguerite, Blanche, and Evelyn; her grandson, Donald Goodman, and grandson’s wife, Denae Lawrence.

Her legacy of love, wit, and connection lives on through her surviving family:Her Children: Barbara (Randy Alberson), Gary (Linda Garner), Beverly (Alan Garner), Maureen (Jim Tait), David (Lieca McDonald), and Colleen (Jason Kramer).Her 14 Grandchildren: Jennifer Garner, Carol Pratt, John Garner, Andrea Waterhouse, Mark Lawrence, Heather Tait, Matthew Tait, Mary Tait, Stephen Tait, Katie Albertson, Christine Albertson, Danielle Kelln, Mackenzie Lawrence, and Jamie Lawrence.Her 15 Great-Grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her later years.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Michael Kelly, Dr. Andrew Harrington, and Dr. N. Kriel for their excellent medical care over the years. Rita also spoke very highly of the wonderful, compassionate nurses and staff at St. Anne’s Home who made her final months so comfortable.

A funeral service will be held at Saskatoon Funeral Home on Saturday, July 4 2026, at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at Colonsay Cemetery.