RITA GILSENAN

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our sweet mother, Rita Gilsenan, on March 8th, 2026 surrounded by her five daughters.

Rita is survived and will be deeply missed by her daughters: Deirdre (Gerry), Carol (Peter), Michelle (Michael), Gail, Tara (Brent); her twin brother Oliver (Joan); her sisters, Bridie (Neville) and Teresa (Davy). Grandchildren, Brendan, Kathleen, Connor, Kevin, Nik, Owen, Arianna, Jarrett, Alia, Colin, Jordan and Selene, as well as great-grandchildren Ash, Emma and Jaxon as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Rita was predeceased by her only son, John Lynam in 2024 which was a devastating loss and whom she missed everyday since. Her brothers Kevin, Michael, John, Dickie, Patsy, Martin and Frank as well as her sisters Molly, Una and Kathleen were there to greet her upon her heavenly arrival as well.

Rita was born on June 20, 1945 in Edengora, County Meath, Ireland to Mary (Barber) and John Gilsenan. She was raised on the family farm until she made the big move into Dublin where she was married and started her family. She had her first two children before embarking on a new life in Canada in 1968 and continued to have 4 more children, to say her hands were full is an understatement.

Raising her children continued to be her full time job but she thoroughly enjoyed her time involved with the Irish Club when her daughters were dancing and volunteering at Folklorama always brought a sparkly to her eye. Rita raised her family in Willow Park, a place that our whole family holds dear and was an amazing place to raise (and still is) children. She made amazing friends there whom she treasured and were always there to help during the hard times. Eileen Plouffe was a huge part of her life when arriving to Canada and showed her the ropes and she was forever grateful to her.

Rita began her outside working career at the Misericordia Health Center back in the early 1990’s as a cafeteria worker. She quickly realized she wanted to help people in a deeper way so she started as a nurses aide for many years following. Her last career at the “Misery” as she would say was in the Physiotherapy department where she stayed until her retirement in 2011. It was here she made lifelong friends with Judy and Debbie, she treasured them very much.

Rita was fortunate enough to make many trips home to Ireland to visit her family. She was also able to visit Australia, Spain, Hawaii, Las Vegas and Pheonix. We called her our world traveller.

As family was her life, gatherings were her favorite especially when all 6 of us could be there together. We will continue to gather in her and John’s honour and always keep a seat for them at our tables.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, to be followed by a church service and burial in Kingscourt, Ireland where she will be buried alongside her mum and dad as was her final wishes.

Rest easy mum, 

we will take it from here. 

Play all the bingo and 

plant all the plants up there, 

your memory will live on 

in the hearts of all who loved you, 

and boy are there many.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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