FERNANDEZ, Rita - January 22, 1926 – May 13, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rita Fernandez on May 13, 2021, in Montreal, at the age of 95.
She was beloved sister, aunt, great-aunt and godmother to many.
She leaves behind sisters-in-law (Mary Fernandez, Joyce Fernandez, Philomena Fernandez and Genevieve Fernandez), many nieces and nephews, their families and her friends.
Rita had a lifelong love of learning and earned several graduate degrees including Law and English Literature for which her graduate project compared the poetry of Isherwood and Marlowe.
She began her teaching career in Karachi, Pakistan before moving to Canada where she taught several grades and at several schools including at Pius X Comprehensive High School before moving to Laval Catholic High School. She taught English to several generations of kids over her 30 year career there.
She was well respected and known for being strict, but was loved by her students (sometimes in hindsight!).
She was passionate about teaching and even used lyrics from contemporary rock stars to capture the interest of students who thought poetry was boring. Her students studied the poetry of U2 alongside Isherwood and Marlowe.
Former students enthusiastically stopped her on the street years after graduating to say what an impact she had on them. More recently, some visited her in her retirement home.
Friends remember her keen sense of humour and wit. Due to Covid-19 restrictions in Montreal a private ceremony will be held in her memory.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Rita's name would be appreciated to the Breakfast Club of Canada by using this link: www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/in-memory-of-rita-fernandez/.
{fastsocialshare