It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of the late Rita Francis (nee Lawrence) announce her peaceful passing at Dr. Charles L. LeGrow Health Centre in Port aux Basques on Saturday, October 24 ^th , 2020 just one day shy of her 85 ^th birthday surrounded by her loving family. Born in Isle aux Morts, NL, Rita was the daughter of the late William and Sarah Lawrence. She is predeceased by her husband; Freeman in 2017, and first husband Clifford Coleman in 1959, father and mother-in-law; Emmanuel and Rosanna Francis, brothers; Victor Lawrence, Joseph (Vera) Lawrence, Jack Lawrence, sister; Mary Jane (Leslie) Harvey, brothers-in-law; Ralph Francis, Henry (Phyllis) Francis, Wallace Pearce, Doug Hiscock and sister-in-law; Geraldine Francis.

She leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories her loving children; Vicky (Wendell) Durnford and Kay (Marty) Coleman, grandchildren; Dawn (Johnny) Harvey, Clifford (Krista) Harvey, Josh Durnford and Emily Durnford, great-grandchildren; Victoria Seymour, Emma Richards, Anna Harvey & Karla Harvey, brother; Kenny (Ruth) Lawrence, sisters; May Hiscock, Ivy (Ed) Herridge, brother-in-law; Max Francis, sisters-in-law; Nina Pearce, Dorothy (Will) Ingram, Elizabeth Francis, Melita Lawrence and an enormous circle of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Rita was a kind, gentle soul with a golden heart, who touched so many lives. Her love for people was endless and her smile contagious. Rita was an avid member and volunteer of the Holy Spirit Anglican Church, and the Loyal Orange Lodge in Isle aux Morts.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 26 ^th from 2-9 pm at East Haven Funeral Home Inc. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 27 ^th , at 11 am from the St. Augustine's Anglican Church in Margaree officiated by Rev. Nathan Cutler. Interment to follow at Hillside Haven Cemetery, Isle aux Morts Road, NL. Flowers are graciously accepted and donations in Rita's memory can be made to the family. Funeral arrangements were in the care of East Haven Funeral Home Inc., 57 Grand Bay Road, Port aux Basques, NL, easthavenfuneralhome@bellaliant.com (709)-695-2300 www.easthavenfuneralhome.com