Rita (Hilhorst) Hellegards

Passed away at the Rock Lake Health Centre, Crystal City, MB on Friday February 10, at the age of 82 years, Rita Maire Hellegards (nee Hilhorst), of Holland MB.

Rita was born near Bruxelles, MB to William & Laurette Hilhorst.  She attended school at the Ursulin Convent in Bruxelles and then Camille School east of their home.

Rita and Elmer were married in 1962 at Holland, MB.  She worked as a bank teller and alongside Elmer on the family farm.  This is where she raised their two boys Larry and Brian.

Rita had many hobbies and interests such as quadding, snowmobiling, gardening, ceramics, photography, and reading.  She also loved animals and time spent outdoors.

Rita leaves to mourn her passing her sons Larry Hellegards (Cindy Manastyr) of Holland, Brian (Dorrie) Hellegards of Stonewall, MB, two grandchildren Tasya & Justis, siblings Denis Hilhorst of Fort Nelson, BC, Josie Hird of Holland, MB, Michael (Joanne) Hilhorst of Fort Nelson,BC, Pat (Ken) Van De Kerckhove of Swan Lake, MB, sister-in-law Irene Uskoski of Winnipeg, MB as well as numerous extended family & friends. 

Rita was predeceased by her husband Elmer (2019), parents William & Laurette Hilhorst, and by brothers-in-law Barry Uskoski & Ron Hird.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Saturday February 18, 2023 at 2:00 pm in the St. John Berchmans Catholic Church, Holland, MB with Father Joseph Tran as Celebrant.  Interment will take place in the St. John Berchmans Parish Cemetery, followed by a reception in the Holland Community Hall.  Memorial donations can be made in Rita’s memory to the St. John Berchmans Parish Cemetery Fund, Holland, MB, R0G 0X0.

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