Passed away peacefully at the Haliburton Hospital on Sunday, February 1, 2026 with her loving family by her side.
Beloved wife of the late Don Baird (1994). Loving mother of Louise Baird (Rob Roy) and Julie (Brett) Charboneau. Loving nana of Jessica Knowles, Jordana Baird, Rachel Charboneau and great nana of Brennan Heinecke and Elliot Heinecke. Daughter of the late Harry and Hetty Carlisle. Dear sister of Harry (Ailsa) Carlisle, Marilyn (Peter) Hatt, David (Wendy) Carlisle, sister-in-law of Anne Carlisle, predeceased by Brian (Janet) Carlisle. Lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews; Michelle and Tracey Carlisle, Christopher and Michael Hatt, Thomas and William Carlisle and by her great niece Megan Carlisle.
Rita was a proud member of the former Women’s Institute. She spent many summer afternoons enjoying life with her friends at 9 Bobcaygeon Road, Minden.
In accordance with Rita’s wishes, cremation has taken place and to Celebrate her life, a “High Tea” will be held in Minden and Toronto at a later date. Interment at Parklawn Cemetery, Toronto. A family service will also be held in England.
Memorial Donations to the Minden Community Food Centre (Minden Food Bank) would be appreciated by the family and can be arranged through the Gordon A. Monk Funeral Home Ltd., P.O. Box 427, Minden, Ontario K0M 2K0.
Miss Me – But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road,
and the sun has set for me.
I want no rites in a gloom filled room,
why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long,
and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once share,.
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take,
and each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the master plan,
a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
go to the friends we know.
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,
miss me but let me go.
Author Unknown
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