Rita Wooliver

Wooliver, Rita Patricia (nee Mackin), widow of William Harold "Eddie" Wooliver died peacefully in her sleep in Bracebridge, Ontario, Saturday June 4, 2011. Rita shared 95 years of love, grace and friendship with anyone fortunate enough to make her acquaintance. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey in October of 1915 to Patrick and Catherine Mackin, Rita spent her youth and young adult life in and around New York City among a loving, happy, Irish family that included five sisters and three brothers. Rita was introduced to dance as a young girl by her older sister Helen and immediately fell in love with dancing and the stage. She followed her passion to an exciting and dynamic career that included a stint as a World Famous Rockette at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and in George White's Scandals. Dance not only inspired Rita's professional career but also lead her to the love of her life. Rita followed a friend, professional contact and producer, Bill Beasley, to Toronto to dance in his show. It is there that Rita first met a young dark and handsome man that would become her husband, Eddie Wooliver. Eddie and Rita enjoyed a storybook marriage that began the night after Christmas of 1937 until Eddie's premature passing in 1958. Rita Wooliver has touched the lives of so many. Her grace, flair for the dramatic and passion for life endeared her to all. Rita is survived by two sisters, many nieces and nephews including Kathy Scherb, Patricia Gradziel and John Lewis and countless friends. The legacy that Rita leaves those that loved her so dearly is profound and impossible to convey through words. She made the world a better place and the sadness of her passing is only endurable in light of the shining brilliance of the exceptional life she lived. Friends will be received at the Reynolds Funeral Home ‘Turner Chapel', in Bracebridge, Ontario, on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 from 11:00 am until time of service in the chapel. A reception will follow in ‘The Wooliver Room' after the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Parkinson's Foundation or the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation. Messages of condolence, can be made at www.reynoldsfuneral.com

Visitation Details

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011 11:00am - 1:00pm, Reynolds Funeral Home "Turner Chapel"

Service Information

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011 1:00pm, Reynolds Funeral Home "Turner Chapel"

Interment Details

Innisvale Crematorium