Kirkwood, Rita Madeline June 28 1928 - January 23 2018 Mom passed away at her home in Canonto surrounded by the love of her family. She was the youngest of seven born to Charles and Mary McCullagh. She was predeceased by her Papa Charlie (1943) and her Mom (1968). She also laid to rest her 5 brothers Georgie, Jackie, Enda (Patrick), Charles and Francis and her sister Alice (Steele). She married Jack Kirkwood (deceased 1974) in 1945. From that wonderful union came 5 children. Rita was the loving, faithful and caring mother to Martha (Sara - deceased 2008), Patricia (Bill) White, Perth, Marie - Canonto, Charles (Brenda), Perth and Jamie - Canonto. Super Grandma to Jay (deceased 2016), Robin (Chris) Staley of Kingston, Barry, Craig (Megan) White, Perth, Jacob Kirkwood, Kitchener, Maggie (Eric) Mcqueen, Emma (Justin) Danis both granddaughters currently residing in Grande Cache, Alberta. She is also survived by 10 great grandchildren plus 1 on the way, Anastaxia, Natasha and Katarina (Jay), Evan, Avery (Barry), William, Cameron, Jackson (Craig), Adalyn, Maddex and Baby on board (Maggie). She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Emily McCullagh, Sudbury and Leta Kirkwood, Canonto. Also cherished and beloved by numerous, nieces and nephews, cousins and good friends. Mom was born at Harlem hospital in New York City and spent her first years there with her parents and siblings. She moved to Canonto, Canada on a permanent basis at the age of 11, trading the bright lights of the big city for the peace and quiet of the northern bush. Even though she was born in the U.S. she was a truly proud Canadian. She loved it at Canonto, and even though her life and family took her to other places, when she had the opportunity to "move home" in 1998 she jumped at the chance and moved back to her old stomping grounds and childhood home. She spent the remainder of her life there doing the things she loved - watching and feeding the birds, gardening and being surrounded by nature and her family. She loved her family with all her heart and soul and liked nothing more than having a large gathering of her loved ones on special occasions like Christmas and the annual Canada Day horseshoe tournament. God Speed Mom - You've now returned to your eternal home. Friends may pay their respects at the Blair and Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St., West, Perth on Monday, January 29th, 2018 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, at 11:00 A.M. in St. John's Church, Perth followed by a reception in the Blair and Son Reception Centre. In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Kidney Foundation (Polycystics) or the Lung Association of Canada (COPD). Christ made my soul beautiful with jewels of Grace and Virtue. I belong to him whom the angels serve - St. Agnes