CORNELL, RITA (nee O’BRIEN) Rita Cornell spent her last days surrounded by family and passed away on December 7, 2020 with her daughters by her side, at the age of 75, after nearly two decades managing her Parkinson’s with grace and dignity.
Rita was predeceased by Ron, her loving husband of 44 years. Rita leaves her daughters Michaela and Erin (Martin), and grandsons Hunter, Witness, and Liam. Rita was adored by the O’Brien and Cornell family, who will miss her warm hospitality and bottomless pot of tea. Rita’s love of children extended from her family to the hundreds of elementary students she taught over twenty years in both Toronto and Brampton.
Many thanks to the staff at Orchard View by the Mississippi in Almonte who provided excellent care over the past 3 years, and especially in the last 9 months. In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Canada are appreciated. A private Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Carleton Place will be held on Thursday, December 10th at 11:00 a.m. A larger celebration of Rita’s life will take place when it’s safe to do so.