Rita Lily Francois was born on Saturday, April 18, 1959 in The Pas, Manitoba to Helen Caribou and Albert Francois.

Rita was a kind hearted person who was always willing to help anyone that was in need. She was raised in McKnight and Granville Lake as a child.  She loved the trap line life.  She would get her kids and grandchildren together and all go camping in McKnight and Jetit.  There she would teach her kids how to survive the bush life and to trap, hunt, harvest and plant.

Rita would tell stories about the olden days, of life in High Rock, Jetit, McKnight and Granville Lake.  She loved to read, do crossword puzzles and make a 5000 piece puzzle and wouldn't stop until it was done.

Rita loved to take her grandkids on long walks to Walmart.  She loved all her grandchildren, especially her great grandson David.

Rita suddenly passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at her residence in Lynn Lake, Manitoba, at the age of 67 years.

Rita will be greatly missed by her children Kevin Francois and family, Kathy Francois and family, Sarah Francois and family, Shawn Francois and family, Anthony Francois and family; adopted sons Howard Bighetty and family, Jason Bighetty and family; siblings Cathy Castel, Shirley Castel, Maryann Grey and Johnny Francois.

Rita will be reunited with her oldest daughter Brenda Lee; son Morris Francois; parents Albert and Helen Francois; and siblings. If we forgot anyone it was not intentional.

PALLBEARERS

Kolton Francois, Howard Bighetty, Sterling Francois, Jason Bighetty, Parry Francois, Steven Castel, Darren Francois, Ron Castel, Johnny Francois, Napoleon Castel.

HONORARY PALLBEARERS

Great Grandson David Caribou, Parry Francois and family, Darren Francois and family, Gordon Bighetty and family, Adelaide Bighetty, Shirley Castel and family, Selena Castel and family and all Rita's family and friends from Lynn Lake, Granville Lake and Pukatawagan.