Rita Mary Smith (24 Nov 1935 - 31 Jan 2021)

In loving memory of Rita Mary Smith who sadly passed away on 31st January 2021

Due to current restrictions, a PRIVATE FUNERAL will take place on Tuesday 16th February at 2.20pm

Rita was born in Sheffield in 1935 to parents Frederick and Katherine Sayles. She had an older brother Peter, born in 1932. Shortly after the war, the family moved to London and Rita attended school in Fulham. After moving to Kingston, Rita was persuaded by a work colleague to meet her nephew John. They met at Kingston Station and fell in love, marrying in 1957. They shared a love for ballroom dancing and jazz music. In 1959 they became proud parents to Kevin and in 1963 to Elaine.

Rita ran a playgroup for 17 years. She loved children and thoroughly enjoyed her job as Playgroup Leader. The family shared many happy memories, especially of summer holidays in the 70's.

A few years after Kevin and Elaine had moved out of the family home, John sadly passed away at the age of 56, leaving Rita and the family devastated. Although supported by family and friends, Rita showed signs of anxiety and turned to prescription drugs. Something of which became a negative in later life. After encouragement, Rita started to socialise again and moved into her lovely dream house by the river. Through a friend, she met Fred, who was also widowed with grown up children. They had a wonderful companionship and enjoyed many holidays and cruises together.

In 2005, Elaine and Robin gave birth to Kirsty. Rita was thrilled and couldn't have been happier. She was the proudest, loving Grandma, she always dreamed of being!

Sadly, this was a short-lived happy period, as Fred died in 2007, then Elaine's husband Robin died in 2008 and Kevin died in 2010. This was a culmination of 3 very bad years for the family and Rita found herself struggling once more to overcome anxiety.

Rita moved in with Elaine and Kirsty in Westcliff for a year, before moving into a warden controlled apartment around the corner to them. Rita appeared to settle in nicely and was still able to enjoy breaks away with Elaine and Kirsty. However, despite her efforts to overcome anxiety, after 2 years, Rita moved into a local care home, where she was in company with other residents and had reassurance that care was available around the clock. Alas, her levels of anxiety increased and depression set in. When the Covid visiting restrictions were introduced, Rita was isolated in her room, with only her phone as contact with Elaine. She became very frail but fortunately remained negative from the virus in the care home. Devastatingly, 2 days after hospital discharge, where she was being treated for a chest infection and dehydration, Rita was tested positive with Covid-19. Miraculously she pulled through, but was left too weak to fight the persistent chest infection further.

Although Rita lost many loved ones over the years and more recently during the last 10 months, with the loss of her brother, best friend, Brother & Sister-in-law, she remained a devoted Mum and Grandma to Elaine and Kirsty. She was such a lovely, kind-hearted lady who will be remembered for her warmth, strength and determination to 'carry on'. Rita always gave others her time and understanding... a truly inspirational lady, who will be missed by all.