Rita died in the early hours of Monday, July 17 at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully at Evergreen Care Home in North Vancouver.

Rita was born on June 3, 1926 in Glasgow, Scotland to Irish parents, Patrick and Margaret (Taylor) Lambert. She was the second of four children. An older sister, Molly; a younger sister, Oonagh; and younger brother, Brian.

After graduating with a degree in dietetics, Rita and her younger sister Oonagh travelled to Canada arriving in Montreal in 1954. After a year and half they drove west and arrived in Vancouver in 1956. Rita set down roots working at UBC in food services as a dietician. She met the love of her life Bud in Vancouver. They married June 9, 1963. They both enjoyed the outdoors, playing tennis with friends at the Jericho Tennis Club, hiking and memorable summers at Yellow Point Lodge. Their daughter Kim was born a few years later and soon after they moved to West Vancouver. For Rita, health and fitness were always a priority. She loved her fitness classes and getting outside for hikes on the north shore trails. Rita also loved painting and pottery in her younger years as well as donating her time to Meals on Wheels or helping with reading programs in elementary schools. Rita was a wonderful loving grandmother who introduced her two granddaughters to proper British tea. Elanne and Gabrielle remember her most for her blueberry muffins and that she took the time to play with them, be it at the park or their many make believe games.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Kim McLeod; son-in-law, Dominique Viau; granddaughters, Elanne and Gabrielle Viau; sister, Oonagh (Jack) Ross; sister-in-law, Tish (Ken) Murton; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Evergreen House, who work tirelessly to provide comfort and care for the aging and dying. We are incredibly grateful for their support.