It was with deep sorrow, cherished memories and so much love that we said our final goodbyes to our mother on Easter Sunday, April 17th 2022.
Rita (mom) was born on September 22, 1932 at home on the family farm in Ste. Rose du Lac, Manitoba, by the loving hands of her grandmother and midwife, Clémence Normand. She was the oldest of 10 children born to Justin and Alice (Pelletier) Normand, and spent her early childhood and young adulthood in her hometown surrounded by a large and tight knit extended family. We have fond memories of her retelling stories from this time in her life, that involve going to school in a stoneboat, riding her horse Queenie, playing with cousins on the farm, working at her dad’s restaurant, Stan’s Cafe, and living with Grandma Normand after finishing high school while working at Houde’s Bakery in Ste. Rose du Lac.
Our mother was quite competitive when it came to sports, especially so with curling, her true passion. As a child her father coached her in baseball, and in her teenage years she played competitively and travelled to the surrounding small communities in Manitoba for ball tournaments. This is how she came to meet and fall in love with our father, Robert (Bob) Oversby. They were married on September 20, 1950 in Ste. Rose and shortly after moved to Red Lake, Ontario in order to find work and raise their family. Within 5 years of being in Red Lake, their first 4 children, Della, Dianne, Gary and Allan, were born and mom and dad were grateful to have made many new friends and especially to have had the support of life time friends John and Elva Landrie and cousin Toni (Leo) Barton to help with a young and growing family.
In 1957 the family moved to Dryden, Ontario where Gale, Ardel and David were born and, amidst these latest and last additions to the family, mom and dad built the house on Bedworth Road in 1960 and it is there where most of the memories of our mother come from.
Mom kept busy driving us to all our sports games, and lacing up many a pair of skates. She was a true perfectionist and a beautiful seamstress, and would stay up into the wee hours of the morning sewing for all of us kids. We all wore coats that she made for us, and she always enjoyed making costumes. She even made all her sons “Beatle caps” when the band became a sensation. She was also a very good cook, and could whip up a meal in no time at all. The neighbourhood kids could all smell her fresh doughnuts and cinnamon buns from the highway when they got off the school bus. It was truly amazing how much she could get done in a day!
She loved music, especially our Dad’s fiddle music, and used to go to the dances that Dad played at to enjoy his talent. Up until the day she died, she loved fiddle tunes and would even try to dance in her wheelchair. Mom had a love for the outdoors, and made many good memories with her children, and later grandchildren, while fishing, gardening, blueberry picking, and camping. She was known for her fish-fry suppers with fresh blueberry pies by all of her relatives.
She had a very kind heart, and loved to always be helping others. Whether it was for a friend in need, or someone travelling down the highway, she showed compassion. We often wondered if the word got out that our house always had a sandwich and a quart sealer of ice cold freshie or water for travellers passing through.
Mom had a strong work ethic and wasn’t afraid to tackle any task at hand. In addition to many years of volunteer work with the Barclay Women’s Institute, the Women of the Moose, and the Catholic Women’s League, mom started working at the tree nursery in 1969 and worked there until she retired in 1998. Mom really enjoyed working with all the hard working women there, and loved these ladies like family. She had a lot of fun going on all the tree nursery trips, curling bonspiels, and monthly lunch dates after she retired. Also, as if raising 7 children and working one job wasn’t enough, in 1975 when dad opened Draag Transmission and Tune Up, mom was there by his side working hard to get the business started. She did the book-keeping for the business until she was in her late 70’s.
Mom really loved children, and her face would always light up whenever there were little ones in the room. Lucky for her, there was never any shortage of kids running around, as she babysat many children over the years in addition to her own family. When her grandchildren arrived, she could not have been happier. She loved helping to care for her grandchildren and enjoyed baking them sweet treats. When they went off to University and College, she prepared special care packages for them which consisted of an ice cream pail of chocolate chip cookies, and a little pouch of tools in case there were any repairs that needed to be done in their new homes.
When Mom retired she joined the senior’s bowling, and really enjoyed competing in this sport as well. Now that she had a little spare time, she delivered Meals on Wheels until she was 80 years old. Her competitive nature and high standards shone through again, as she would try to beat her delivery time from the previous week. Mom was very social, and always looked forward to spending time with her cherished circle of friends. She also loved going to all her grandchildren’s hockey games and sporting events. If the grandkids were playing out of town, she listened to the games on the radio and would cheer from home “Go Go Go!”. She would also always be at dance recitals, with a rose in hand for her granddaughters and great-granddaughters.
In April 2016 Mom moved into Princess Court to face the biggest challenge of her life – Alzheimer’s Disease. Despite the challenges, this did not stop her hard work ethic. When she first moved in, we would often find her dusting the hand rails and folding washcloths, always eager to lend the employees a helping hand.
Mom was predeceased by her husband Robert Oversby, granddaughter Kendall Oversby, great-granddaughter Isla Oversby, her parents Justin and Alice Normand, her little brother Romain Normand, and sisters Lucienne Harrison, Cecile Lidstone, and Laurette Robinson.
Being such a strong and caring matriarch for our family, she will be lovingly remembered by her seven children, Della (Kelly) Huhn, Dianne (Rick) Bishop, Gary, Allan (Margaret), Gale (Greg) Gamble, Ardel (Kim), and David; fifteen grandchildren, Michael Huhn, Carly Wright, Kristal Huhn, Ryan Oversby, Tammy Bazinet, Marcie Rustan, Shaun Bishop, Joelle Doubrough, Blair Oversby, Blaine Oversby, Brent Gamble, Matthew Oversby, Alison Gamble, Maya Oversby, and Ethan Oversby; and 24 (soon to be 25) great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by her siblings Edith Stoddart, Rene Normand, Denise Kemball, Noella Fenez, and Donald Normand, and her Oversby sisters-in-law that were just like blood sisters to her.
Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation go to the staff at Princess Court who helped make mom’s final years as comfortable and as home-like as they could.
Condolences(20)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Reverend Solomon Beardy
Next Glen Temple
Gerry Oliphant says
April 21, 2022 at 6:14 pmOversby family, I just read of your sweet mothers passing and want to pass on my condolences to all.
As the matriarch of your large family she will be missed.
Take care, sincerely, Gerry Oliphant
BARBARA LINDQUIST says
April 22, 2022 at 12:45 amMy sincere sympathy to all the family with your Mom’s passing. May you all cherish your Wonderful memories of family life shared
Terry Findlay says
April 24, 2022 at 8:21 pmMy deepest condolences to the entire Overspy family and extended families
Kathy and Ray Klassen says
April 21, 2022 at 9:20 pmTo the entire family, please accept Ray and my condolences at this sad time. I always enjoyed visiting your home as a child and teen and as an adult your mom/grandma made my wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses, that was 45 years ago. Mrs. Oversby was always so good to me and she will be fondly remembered. Sending hugs your way. Kathy and Ray Klassen
Frank McLellan says
April 21, 2022 at 10:18 pmI have just read of your mothers passing.I would like to offer my condolences to you all.
Sharron McKinnon says
April 21, 2022 at 11:07 pmSpecial thoughts and prayers for you all at this time, a beautiful tribute to your beloved mother. May these memories comfort you in the days ahead. Warmest hugs. Sharron McKinnon
Leslie Oversby Jones says
April 22, 2022 at 2:34 amMy deepest sympathy to all of you. She was a very special lady and I always loved when we could visit. Cherish your many memories. From an amazing lady she leaves an amazing legacy. Sending my love. Leslie
Julia Craner (nee Chambers) says
April 22, 2022 at 3:00 amI was saddened to here of your mom’s passing. My deepest and heart felt condolences to your family. Your mom was a lovely lady and never passed me by without a greeting. I will always remember your mother with fondness. So sorry for your loss.
Carole Valley says
April 22, 2022 at 5:56 amSo sorry to hear the sad news. Rita was a special woman. She always took the time to chat with me and ask how my family was doing whenever we bumped into each other. I have such great memories as a kid of when our families would get together. I particularly remember the time when Paul and I were little and we decided to visit you guys on Pauls tricycle with me riding on the back step of it. We were almost there when someone recognised us heading down the highway and took us home. We were so disappointed!
Marycath Bleich says
April 22, 2022 at 10:17 amIt is with heartfelt interest and sadness, I read part of a life well~lived snapshot of your Mom. She looks like the Queen she is, to each of you!
Knowing the history of DRAAG Transmission helps to understand the ethic, kindness and compassion of your family business.
With Lovingkindness, Marycath Bleich
Robyn says
April 22, 2022 at 1:39 pmI was sadden to hear of Auntie Rita’s passing. I will always have such great memories of her. Rita loved to feed everyone, no matter what she was doing she would stop and ask “ are you hungry ? Eat eat “ my summers as a young teen staying in Dryden were very memorable with Auntie Rita. She will be dearly missed by all. I must say thou. The best memory was when I was in Dryden with my dad and he won a goat from the fair !!! Auntie said “ oh no Paul .. Valerie’s going to kill you “!! Thinking of the whole family, sending virtual hugs and love ~ Robyn Barten ( Gabby and jesyca )
Tina Bryant says
April 22, 2022 at 1:44 pmMy thoughts go out to you Diane and Rick.
Tina
Francine (Toussaint) Higgins says
April 22, 2022 at 7:15 pmDear Della, Dianne, Gary, Allan, Gale, Ardel, David and your families,
Although the Barclay School years are long gone, and we all went our separate ways…I never ever forgot about any of you. Please accept my most sincere condolences.
Love to you all…Francine (Toussaint) Higgins
Mike Malyk says
April 23, 2022 at 8:15 pmMy thoughts to the Oversby family; Della, Dianne, Gary, Allan, Gale, Ariel, and David, may the memories of your mom live on in you and each of your extended families.
Mike
Bill Malyk says
April 24, 2022 at 7:01 pmMy condolences to your family on the passing of your Mom. She was a wonderful lady and I will remember her fondly.
Terry Findlay says
April 24, 2022 at 8:22 pmMy deepest condolences to the entire Overspy family and extended families.
Dawn&Bob says
April 24, 2022 at 11:20 pmTo the Oversby family, we are so very sorry for your loss and our hearts go out to you all! Dawn Jones & Bob Marion
Emiel Pelikys says
June 23, 2022 at 2:37 amMany fond memories of your sweet Mother as all us kids grew up on Bedworth Road. She was always there for us and was always so kind. Deepest sympathy to your whole family.
Ken & Lori Sanders says
June 23, 2022 at 3:56 amOur thoughts are with all of the Oversby family as you navigate this sad time. Keep your good memories tucked tight in your hearts. Sincerely Ken and Lori
Jacquie Saville says
July 23, 2022 at 2:39 pmMy thoughts are with you all…..your Mom was such a kind and thoughtful neighbour…
keeping watch over the children coming and going on the school buses, keeping them warm on the very cold days. Most of all, she raised a lovely family!
In lieu of flowers, and if friends so desire, donations may be made to Princess Court Dryden Extended Care Organization (DECO), or a charity of your choice through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
All Rights Reserved