Obituary of Rita Agnes White

“The sun is shining in all of its glory and not an ache or a pain.”

WHITE (Benere), Rita Agnes -  age 95, of Enfield, died peacefully in her home on March 18^th, 2024. Mum was born April 5th, 1928, in Enfield to John and Lydia (MacDonnell) Benere where she lived all her life. On June 17th, 1946, she married Charlie White. Together they built a home and raised 14 children. She was a proud member of St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church and in her younger years a member of Legion Branch #133 Ladies Auxiliary.

Mum loved Christmas, spending time with family and friends, especially Francis Doyle. She grew up with a strong work ethic and strong faith. She was always there for us kids and anyone else's kids too. She would never know how many extra kids she’d find at the house at any moment. Day or night, all were welcomed at Rita’s house. Given the chance, we kids could write a book on the life and times of Mum. To sum it up, she was simply the strongest, humblest, hard-working, and most caring person that we were so blessed to call Mother.

She leaves behind her children, Theresa (Donnie), Cheryl, Chuckie (Lorna), Rose Mary (Wayne), Joey (Heather), Blanche (Al), Johnny (Sharon), Nancy (Ed), Patrick (Sarah), Michael (Pat), Elizabeth, Thomas (Michele) and Alice (Calvin); as well as 35 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren.

Rita is also survived by her sister, Theresa (Albert); Son-in-Law, Donald Hill; Sisters-in-law; Sister, Blanche White, Catherine White, Jean Preeper, Florence Benere, Marjorie Benere, and Dora Moore. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Roy Clarke. 

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Charlie; their daughter, Carole; grandsons, Devan Hill and Martin Taylor; as well as granddaughters, Carrie White and Jennifer Fancy. Rita was also predeceased by siblings, Willie, Leo, Eileen, Raymond, Marie, Dot, Marjorie, Eddie, Dougie, Bernie, and Yvonne; as well as sons-in-law, Terry MacAloney, Ron Langthorne, and Chris Myers.

A special thanks to Dr Iain MacNeil, our caregivers, VON, Father Gerald David, Deacon Dan Bowden, and St Andre Bessette’s Ministry of Consolation. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 21 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Ettinger Funeral Home in Shubenacadie, NS.

Funeral services are to be held Friday, March 22 at 10 am, at St. Bernards Church in Enfield, NS. The reception will be held at the Enfield Legion following the burial. Family flowers only.

A livestream of the service will be available at: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=94a7beec-5151-4675-ae4e-ade59c33e20b or click on the "View Service Here" button on the memorial page.

Donations in memory of Mum can be made to the Nova Scotia Cancer Society.

Tributes, words of comfort, and memories of Rita may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com. 

Awesome Mother. Wonderful Friend. Gave us guidance, showed us love.