Rita Cameron. It all started in the city of Lethbridge, AB. Another twinkle in the eye of Leonard and Rika deBeeld was brought forth into this world on the 12th day of July, 1937 - her name, Rita deBeeld. Growing up with two sisters, Lena & Alice and two brothers, John & Len ensured Rita had a good childhood and plenty of opportunity to get into mischief. During her school years, Rita lived in Abbotsford and then later moved to Agassiz, where her parents owned and operated the Chuckwagon Cafe. One day Rita, while working at the Cafe, noticed her man wearing a black leather belt and bike hat, riding a 1929 Harley Davidson chopper. Don, trying to be coy decided it was a great idea to involve all of his seven sisters and would bring them to the restaurant and have them check Rita out. All Rita had to do was smile at him and he was hooked, promising her his unwavering love and on May 19, 1956 they were wed and became Don & Rita Cameron. Over a seven year period three children were born, Don, Kathy and Greg. After brief stints in Agassiz, Sidney, Richmond, Goose Bay, Labrador, Nfld, Surrey and Trout Creek they settled in Summerland, BC and knew it was the perfect place to raise a family and grow old together. Rita was an amazing wife and mother who strove to provide a perfect home for Don and their children. Like a mother bear and her cubs, God forbid if something came between them. In later years everyone would reflect upon this time period and realize how precious these times were. As life progressed, Rita never waivered from showing her love for the family and was blessed with two daughters-in-law, Josie and Arlene, as well as a son-in-law Gary Clausen. In turn they followed in the family tradition and collectively have given Rita and Don six grandchildren, Jennifer, Nicole, Michael, Jamie, Melissa and Tommy and one great grandson, Brandon with whom they share a special bond with each and every one of them. On December 19, 2009, Rita (wife of 53 years to Don) passed gently away. A private family ceremony was held in her memory. She will always be with us, no longer in the physical sense but rather the spiritual one. Every time we smile, laugh, feel love or simply live life, she will be remembered. Condolences may be directed to the family through Summerland Funeral Home at
www.providencefuneralhomes.com. Donations can be made in Rita’s honor to Moog and Friends Hospice House, 1701 Government St., Penticton, BC V2A 8J7. The family requests that no phone calls or flowers come directly to the residence.