HADDEN, Margaret Mary “Rita” Hadden

November 28, 1942 - April 23, 2026

Surrounded by loved ones, Rita passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026 in her 84th year.

Beloved spouse of over 60 years to Richard “Dick”, devoted mum to Paula (Rick), Richard (Carolyn), Kathryn, Colin (Stacey) and Michael (Karissa) and loving Gran to Matt, Ryan, Liam, Lily, Ian, Connor, Blake, Keane and Graham. Born in 1942 in Paisley, Scotland to her parents Catherine and John Bradley, Rita had a wonderful childhood with her siblings Helen (Jim), Colin (Pat), Gerald (Rita) and Sheila (Bert) in and around Paisley and her cousins Kate and Marie in Cushendun – a special place Rita enjoyed returning to throughout her life. Rita is a beloved aunt of nieces and nephews around the world and cherished sister in law of Joey and Gertie.

Margaret Mary “Rita” Hadden was an engaged community member throughout her life. Starting as a Girl Guide leader, school volunteer, Whitby Tennis Club President, Pastoral Council and St. Vincent de Paul Society member at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Whitby, and her passion for 16 years was the Christmas Family sponsor initiative which ensured the most vulnerable members of our community were supported during the Christmas season.

Rita enjoyed several careers throughout her life. Following high school, she worked in an office and then a dress shop in Paisley. Following, her marriage in 1965 to Dick, they embarked on the first of many adventures. They immigrated to Canada twice, once in 1967 to Ottawa where they stayed for 3 years and then again in 1977 – settling in Whitby. In Whitby, Rita owned the Little Scottish Bake Shop on Athol street for a couple of years where she enjoyed sharing stories with customers. For 17 years she was a real estate agent where she got a lot of satisfaction finding homes for families. Retirement years were filled with volunteer work, time at the trailer on Rice Lake and treasured trips to Scotland and Cushendun.

Family would like to thank Dr. Stephen Cohen her long time physician, the home health team, and the care team at Ajax Hospital that provided care in recent months.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 28th at 10:30 am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 903 Gifford St, Whitby. A livestream is available at https://www.youtube.com/@stjohntheevangelistcatholi3837/streams. Private family interment to follow. Family invites guests for light refreshments following the Mass at Whitby Columbus Club, 133 Brock St. N, Whitby. Municipal parking on Perry St.

Service Details

Service
When
Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 10:30am
Location
St. John the Evangelist
Address
903 Giffard Street
Whitby, Ontario
Officiant
Father Francisco Fernandez Siles