Mrs. Rita "Tibbie" Perkins (née Jackson) August 28, 1908 - April 13, 2005 Funeral arrangements by Richmond Funeral Home Born in England, Rita (Tibbie) passed away at the age of 96 years on April 13, 2005. Rita was predeceased by her husband Cam and infant son, Charles Barry. Rita was the much beloved mother of Jack (Mary Louise), Joan (predeceased husband Eric) and Mary. A much loved grandmother, Granny had 10 grandchildren, Barry, Cam, David and Stephanie (Jack and Mary Louise); Mary, Cathy, Ted and George (Joan and Eric); and Regand and Rob (Mary). Rita is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, Melanie and Jennifer (David); Thomas and Christina (Barry and Marla); Dunan and Thalia (Mary and Ronald); Serena (Cathy); Alexandra and Kieran (Regan and Darryl); and R.J. and Colin (Rob and Denise). Rita had a life characterized by unusual and innovative avocations and vocations. For example, Rita was active for years in Vancouver Little Theatre, Vancouver Reperotry Theatre and Totem Theatre, playing a variety of lead and supporting roles, even winning awards in the Vancouver drama festival. When her children were teenagers, Rita began her vocation as a social worker/counsellor at Young Offenders Unit in Oakalla. She moved from there to Haney Correctional Institute to become the first Canadian women's counsellor in HCI where she was known by her clients as "Ma Perkins." She retired from HCI at 63, when she and Cam became active volunteer visitors in a number of care facilities in Haney. Eventually they moved to Richmond to be closer to their family. Rita and Cam enjoyed many vacation spots, including Carmel in California, and Gearhardt in Oregon where Camplayed golf and they enjoyed walking in the sea air. Rita was a beautiful woman who enjoyed dancing and singing; she also had an imaginative and playful side. However, Rita was first and foremost a woman of great strength of character. She endowed her family with a capacity to endure even in the face of almost unbearable sadnesses. Rita died peacefully and calmly with a smile on her face. After hearing of her passing, her five year old great-grandson Kieran siad, "Now Granny is at last dreaming of her wedding day." Rest in Peace, in God's arms, Rita, with youer beloved husband Cam by your side. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Rita's name to the Huntington's Society of British Columbia.