Rita Marietta Honey

It is with heavy hearts and sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, RITA HONEY (nee Hoffman) at the Russell Personal Care Home. Rita was preceded by her husband of 60 years Lawrence Honey, her mother Phyllis Hoffman, father Bill Hoffman, brother Jim Hoffman, sister Ruth Simon, brother in law Zoli Simon and son in law Michael Totté. Rita will forever be loved and remembered by her family, son David (Peggi) Williams Lake, BC, daughter Jayne Totté Russell, MB and Suzanne Panizzon (Franco) Edmonton, AB, grandchildren Cindi Honey (Charles), Ricky Honey, Cheri Totté (Jodie), Marc Totté (Lindsay), Kayla Panizzon (Darren), Amanda Ehrlich (Steve). She was also blessed with six great grandchildren Viete, Keziah, Lucy, Freddie, Easton and Rylee, nieces Carol Friesen Sanford, MB and Kathy Zimmer (Brian) Brandon, MB and families.

Rita was born in Langenberg, SK on Feb 21, 1924 to Bill and Phyllis Hoffman. They moved to Harrowby, MB then to Russell, MB. Rita then moved to Winnipeg to take her Hairdresser training. She returned to Russell in 1943 where she opened her own hairdressing shop and worked there for close to 20 years. Rita married Lawrence Honey on Nov 16, 1949 where they farmed south of Russell. Together they raised three children, David, Jayne and Suzanne.

Mom was always busy on the farm with her very large yard and vegetable garden. Fall meant being with Dad harvesting along with freezing and canning produce from the vegetable garden, making pickles, jelly and jam. Always lots for all winter. In 1996, Mom and Dad retired from farming and moved into Russell. Mom continued to look after a large garden and yard in town. She loved planting flowers and kept the yard in top shape. Mom enjoyed going for coffee with her friends and was often the chauffeur. Mom, Rita was affectionately known as Granny Honey, or the “bun lady” as she loved baking and sharing her buns with neighbors, family and friends.

We love you Mom…always and forever.

A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Special thank you to all the wonderful staff at the Russell Personal Care Home for all the loving care they gave to Mom.

If so desired, donations in memory of RITA HONEY may be made to the Russell Personal Care Home (Recreation).