KING, Rita Bernadette – age 91, of Shubenacadie, formerly of Bateston, Cape Breton, passed away at Wynn Park Villa on July 13th, 2025. Born in Glace Bay, she was a daughter of the late Pat and Catherine (MacDougall) O’Neill.

It has been said that Rita was always cheerful, animated and had a great sense of humour. She was a decorated member of St. Peter’s Catholic Women’s League during her time Ingonish. She and Glenn were members of St. Kateri’s Church for the past 15 years. Rita took up knitting later in life and became proficient at it, creating outfits for babies and sweaters for family members and friends.

In Rita’s last conversation with Glenn, she told him that she had a good life over her 91 years and had no regrets.

Rita is survived by her husband, Glenn; daughter, Ronalda Marie Rasmussen (Percy); son, Jody Patrick Waterfield (Kirsten); grandchildren, Jordan Rasmussen and Olivia Waterfield; sisters, Mary (Mike) Longard, Jean Flory and Barbara Holland; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by sisters, Lillian Frances Wilcox and Catherine Annette O’Neill; brothers, Colin Patrick “Collie” O’Neill and Robert Jude “Rob” O’Neill; former husband, Ronald Pius Waterfield.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Homes, Shubenacadie and Elmsdale.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am, on Thursday, July 17th, 2025, at St. Kateri’s Roman Catholic Church, Indian Brook. Father Phil Thibodeau Officiating. Burial will take place at 2pm on Saturday, August 9th in Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery, Main-a-dieu, Cape Breton.

The family would like to thank the staff of Wynn Park Villa for their compassion and care shown to Rita and her family during Rita’s stay.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Rita may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com