Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Sydij. Rita passed away on November 12th, 2023 at the age of 66.  She was predeceased by her husband Orest and leaves behind her two loving children, Rory (Maya) and Martin (Ashley), as well as numerous siblings, nieces, nephews and friends. She will be greatly missed by all.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to  The Canadian Cancer Society.

Visitation

Date
November 15, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes, 92 Annette Street
Time
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Date
November 15, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes, 92 Annette Street
Time
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Service

Date
November 16, 2023
Location
All Saints Roman Catholic Church, 1415 Royal York Road
Time
09:30 AM

Burial

Date
November 16, 2023
Location
Park Lawn Cemetery
Time
10:45 AM
Memo

Burial Time is an Estimate

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November 21, 2023
Michael and MaryJo Sydij
Rory and Martin, thinking of you both. I’m sure you both have heard people say “ I can’t believe she’s gone “ or “she went so fast.” Your Aunt and I have as well. They must sound like echos to you both as it wasn’t that long ago you lost your Farther with little time to grieve. When your Dad passed away someone said this to me that gave me some peace. Not sure if it was a quote or from the heart, but I still remember it to this day. Hopefully it will help you as it helped me. “ Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved, where there is deep grief there was great love.” May your Mom rest in Peace. May your Dad rest in Peace. May they be together forever Love you both Uncle Michael and Aunt MaryJo
November 18, 2023
Spencer Family (Brantford)
Dear Annette and Ron. We are so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. Thinking of you with thoughts and prayers.
November 17, 2023
Joe Dudych
Sincere condolences to the family from Winnipeg from Orest's cousin Joe and wife Sandra.
November 17, 2023
Tony Caruana
Our deepest condolences Martin and Rory. I am at a loss to say the right words . Very hard to believe she is gone.Your mother was a very kind and gentle person and we will remember her for that. She brought a smile to everyone she spoke to.She wasn't just a neighbour but a close friend.Christine and I will miss her very much. God Bless.
November 16, 2023
Jennifer Ung
Our Mama Rita <3 She will be greatly missed. I will never forget her and how much love she put into taking care of her Blackhawk family. Truly the brightest part of many days and someone who was always there to support. May your family remember and be grateful for the years spent together.
November 15, 2023
Cindy, Mario, Luis & Julianna Positano
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Auntie Rita. She will be missed! Sincerest condolences xoxo
November 15, 2023
Tristan Roffey
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss Rory, Martin and the entire family. Rita was like a work mom to all of us at Blackhawk, and her kindness, compassion, and sense of humour will be sorely missed. She did her best to keep us in line, and when we got out of line she was quick to set us straight. I will miss that, and really miss our conversations and sharing pictures of family, cooking, and her kitchen. Rest in peace Rita. You had a profound impact on all of us. The world could use more Rita's.
November 15, 2023
Malorie MacDonnell
My heart goes out to your lovely family. Rita was one of the kindest souls I have ever had the opportunity to meet and i am just so thankful i was able to spend so much time with her working at Blackhawk Network. She was hilarious, uplifting and kind to the highest degree. During the COVID years a few of us would joke that walking past her desk and seeing her at the beginning and end of our workday was one of the best highlights to working on site. She always gave me the best advice, shared her recipes and would speak so fondly of her children and husband. She has made an imprint on my heart and will be remembered always.
November 15, 2023
Karen White
My deepest sympathies to Rory, Martin, and the entire family. Rita and I became friends during our time at Sears, and her beautiful spirit, kind soul, and generous nature left a lasting impact on me. Although we lost touch in recent years, she will forever hold a special place in my heart.
November 15, 2023
Chris Jones
Rita was the heart and soul of the Blackhawk's Toronto office, affectionally known as our office Mom. We were typically the first 2 in the office in the mornings and we would have a chat every morning during this time. We would talk about everything from work, travel, friends, family and more. We were even able to keep it up somewhat during Covid as we would schedule a Zoom call every month or so. I will miss these conversations. Rita was a very special person and will be missed by many. My heartfelt condolences to everyone who knew Rita, but especially to her family who she adored immensely.
November 15, 2023
Nicole Welden
My deepest condolences to Rita’s family and friends. She was an incredibly special person to the Blackhawk team and she will be greatly missed for her kindness and welcoming nature.
November 14, 2023
Veronica
I'm so sorry to hear of Rita's passing, and her struggle on the way. She was a lovely woman in every way, and my heart goes out to you Rory, Maya, Martin and Ashly. May her soul rest in peace, and may she enjoy the glory of the Father's loving presence forever. Sending love, and heavenward prayers.
November 14, 2023
Sr. Christine
My heart is with you, Rory, Maya, Martin and Ashly, especially, and with all of Rita's family, and the Sydij families. I only heard this morning (Tuesday) that she passed away, and we intended to have a Mass for her in our chapel. We will - tomorrow morning. She - and all of you - will remain in my prayers. (Not sure I can make it to any part of the funeral.)
November 14, 2023
Angie and Gil
Our family is deeply saddened by Rita’s passing. We will always remember our family times together. Her beautiful smile touched us all and we hold her family in our hearts. May she shine in heaven as she shone on earth. She is another angel in heaven while she watches over her family on earth. Our heartfelt condolences to all the family. Always linked heart to heart. Gil and Angie Geraldes Maiato & family.
November 14, 2023
Audrey Schaan
My sincerest condolences to family and friends. Thank you for sharing Rita with us, she was the best addition to our team at Blackhawk and we are so lucky to have had such an amazing person among us. We will miss you "Mama Rita" <3
November 14, 2023
David Southwell
We all lovingly called Rita our 'office Mom' at Blackhawk because she always took care of us, keeping us on track and having fun. She was the first person we saw when we came in and the last person we saw when we left and she always had a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed and our lives will not be the same without her. My condolences to all of her family and friends.
November 14, 2023
Heather Rudderham
I met Rita a few years ago when I joined the Blackhawk Canada team. Working remotely throughout COVID, I only met her in person a few times, but we developed a special bond after discovering that we were both battling cancer at the same time. We had planned to get together, once we were both feeling better, to share a toast to good health and better days ahead. I am devastated that we will not be able to do that, but will have a special toast in your honour, Rita. Rest in peace!
November 14, 2023
Steve Dekker
Working with Rita for over 10 years. She was the heart and soul of the Canada office. I'll miss her greatly. Deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time.
November 14, 2023
Adam Nash
I had the pleasure of working with Rita for a number of years at Blackhawk. She was a glowing light in my days. Her positive attitude, humor, ingenuity, and loving nature made me smile everyday. Rita will be missed but never forgotten Wishing Rita's family my condolences
November 13, 2023
David Cutrara
I am so sorry for your loss Rory and Martin. Your mom was such a wonderful person and I was heart broken to hear of her untimely passing yesterday. The only good news is that she is reunited with your dad. I always admired the connection they had. Such sweet people, taken way too soon.