Margarita, known by many names-Margaret, Rita, Mum, and most lovingly, Granny-was a legendary baker, entertainer, and conversationalist. She was born on August 8, 1925, one of seven living children to William and Annie (Wallace) McClure, in Scotland. Though small in stature, she was a giant among family and friends, creating a lasting legacy of warmth, resilience, and joy.
After the war, Rita met her beloved Alastair Campbell Seaton while they were both working on the village buses. He was the bus driver, and she, the lively conductor. Their shared journeys turned into a lifetime together, and they married on April 2, 1948, at Logierait Church in Ballinluig, Scotland. Alastair was 27, and Rita was 22. Early in their marriage, Alastair's uncle offered them a small stone house on his land. Rita often said those were some of their happiest times, even without running water or electricity. The old uncle would bring fresh eggs each morning and light the fire before they returned from work, and they made that cozy little house their first true home.
Rita and Alastair were blessed with three children: Linda, Alastair, and Colin. They faced unimaginable sorrow, losing their son Alastair at age 3 in Scotland and later Colin at 27 in Toronto. Yet, Rita's resilience carried the family forward, and she continued to create a home filled with love, laughter, and countless cups of strong tea, buttered toast, and salted porridge.
In 1967, Rita and Alastair moved to Toronto, Canada, and later to Saskatoon to be closer to their grandchildren.
Rita was ever hospitable and welcomed everyone with open arms. She was "everyone's granny," a refuge in both times of celebration and struggle. Her home was a place of comfort and laughter, where visitors left with a full belly and a story or two, having opened a jar, fixed the phone, and maybe even learned a lesson on the importance of a good conversation. Her kitchen was a haven where you could find her famous "fresh ones"-double chocolate cookies, shortbread, clootie dumpling, and mince 'n tatties-all served with warmth and humour. Rita had a way of making everyone feel at home, filling the room with laughter and making sure no one left hungry.
A lover of long walks, Rita was known to go great distances on foot, whether for errands or simply for a stroll, often with her loyal dog Mandy at her side. They especially enjoyed their outings at Gabriel Dumont, and Mandy-thanks to Rita's fantastic imagination-even learned to ask for banana bread.
In her later years, Rita continued to embrace life with curiosity. She could be found chatting with Alexa or exchanging laughs with the staff and friends at St. Angela Merici Residence. Though her eyesight faded, her spirit remained bright. She'd occasionally mix up names, bestowing unique new ones like "Daffodil" and "Rosemary," each given with affection. Her good-natured charm made everyone feel special.
Rita knew life wasn't always sunny, but she believed in embracing every experience with grace and a sense of humour. Her love of conversation, her resilience, and her zest for life touched everyone who knew her. Though she is no longer with us, Rita's legacy lives on in her recipes, her stories, and the love she shared so freely. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her, but her spirit will continue to bring joy to those who carry her memory forward.
Funeral Services will take place on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Saskatoon Funeral Home followed by a reception at the Edwards Family Centre.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Saskatoon SPCA or a charity of choice, or throw a party, turn up some Abba and serve her famous caramel squares.
Monday, November 18, 2024
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Central (no DST) time)
Saskatoon Funeral Home
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