With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rita Lynn Howell, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend, at the age of 61, on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at home, surrounded by loved ones.

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Born on March 13, 1960 in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, to Donald and Emmaline LeRoy, Lynn was the sixth out of eleven children. She had a happy childhood and had so much love for her brothers and sisters. As a teenager, she met the love of her life, Brian, and soon welcomed their first daughter, Stephanie, in 1977. That same year, they moved to Winnipeg to build their life together. Here, they expanded their family, with the addition of Crystal in 1979 and John in 1983.

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Lynn was an exceptional mother, who lovingly cared for her children, as a homemaker, until her youngest went to school full time. Her first job was at a retail store. A short time later, she started working at Autoline Products, alongside her husband, for numerous years. She was a very dedicated employee, who took pride in being recognized for perfect attendance. Lynn loved to attend the staff Christmas parties and connect with her colleagues and their significant others. Unfortunately, after her diagnosis with Scleroderma in 2013, she was forced to resign.

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Everyone who knew Lynn felt her love. With such a large family across the country, she remained connected and touched the hearts of those she cherished with phone calls, visits, and Facebook messages. Lynn knew everyone’s birthday and made sure to recognize the day. One would always feel happy around mom, with her contagious laugh, her authenticity, and down-home sayings. She had a wonderful sense of humour and would always say what was on her mind. We loved to see her dance around the kitchen. Lynn always had a cup of tea waiting for her visitors and was a great listener. 

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Motherhood was her true calling. We were blessed to have such an amazing mother, who sacrificed so much for us, putting our needs above her own. Many special memories were made during our annual family road trips to the east coast, where she would take us seashell collecting and swimming in the ocean. Growing up, we always felt supported and loved in any decisions we made. Her love was pure.

 

As the years went by and she became a grandmother, her legacy of love continued. Each grandchild was made to feel treasured by Nanny, who would do anything for them. She always made sure to stock her pantry with goodies and when she went shopping, her hands would be filled with gifts for them. She was their biggest cheerleader, usually heard over all other voices at the hockey rink or soccer field. Nanny loved to get kisses and hugs from her grandchildren, as often as they would allow. Lynn enjoyed spending time with Ryan, Nathan, Alyssa and Logan and loved them immensely.   

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Lynn had a wonderful life with her husband, Brian. They had the kind of true love that fairy tales are made of. We remember the loving glances Mom and Dad would share, how they would dance in the living room to their song, “Lady in Red”, finding their love letters and poetry, and Mom and Dad cutting a rug at many socials over the years. Later on in life, they enjoyed travelling the continent together. Throughout the struggles and obstacles of life, they stood by one another and helped each other through. They were a true example of love for us to follow in our relationships.  Lynn and Brian spent every moment of their lives together from the time they were teenagers, until Brian’s untimely passing in October of 2020.

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Lynn passed away due to a brief and aggressive battle with cancer. She persevered through this illness, with the same strength and bravery that she faced in her struggles with Scleroderma. Lynn had a strong faith and believed that the Lord would accept her into heaven, where she would be reunited with the loved ones she missed so dearly. In her final days, she was surrounded by the love of her family.

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Lynn is survived by her daughters Stephanie (Al) and Crystal (Darren); son John (Kinga); grandchildren Ryan, Nathan, Alyssa, and Logan. She is also survived by her sisters Margaret (Cyril), Glenda, Sherry (John), and Lisa (Dave); and brothers Darryl (Pam), Sheldon, and Ray; as well as numerous brother in laws, sister in laws, nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 43 years, Brian; her infant daughter, Theresa; her father, Donald, her mother, Emmaline; her brothers Jimmie, Donnie and Jackie; her nephews Shane, Zachary, Brian, Wayne, Dayton, and Jamie.

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A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In the meantime, our family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. We also encourage the sharing of photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

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“All that I am, or hope to be,

I owe to my angel mother.”

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