Nee: Denechezhe
Rita Paynter, beloved wife of Raymond, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2024 at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg at the age of 51 years.
Rita was born into the community of the Northlands First Nation, Lac Brochet, MB., August 16, 1972 to parents, Modest Denechezhe Sr. & Noemi (Nee: Gazayou) who have since predeceased her along with her brothers, Jack, Curtis and Pascal.
Rita is survived by her husband Ray, sisters & brothers Margaret (Modeste) Big Eye, David, Norman, Annie Buck Denechezhe and Modeste Denechezhe Jr., and many extended family members. Also surviving Rita are Ray’s parents; Phillip & Florence Paynter, sisters; Marilyn Linklater and Jennifer O’Meara.
Ray & Rita eventually became best friends and were married April 23, 2022 in Winnipeg, MB.
Rita was a well-known advocate in her activism in Muscular Dystrophy, Camp Arnes, Wild Wise Camp, Cerebral Palsy activities, and her involvement with friends at Calvary Temple, Special Olympics (swimming & sledge hockey), Bocce ball and her involvement with Truth and Reconciliation activities. She was a champion volunteer in many activities.
She will also be missed dearly by her church family at the Central Church of Christ.
Funeral Service will be on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 2p.m. in the Central Church of Christ 170 St. Mary’s Road, Winnipeg, MB.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba, 213 Notre Dame Avenue, #903 Wpg, MB R3B 1N3 or
Muscular Dystrophy Canada 825 Sherbrook Street Wpg, MB. R3A 1M5
Fly free beautiful angel
Miigwech
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences by using the comment field below.
I’m sorry to hear about Rita’s passing. I have known Rita’s since I was a child! We went to Lord Robert’s School together. I moved to BC some years ago now and I lost touch but when I lived in Winnipeg we would run into each other from time to time. Mostly at portage place.
My condolences go out to her husband, family and friends. May you RIP Rita. 💜
I was sad to read of her passing, Rita was a wonderful lady and friend to me. Six months after my daughter was diagnosed, I found support and acceptance through Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba – and life became fun with new friends to do fun activities with! Rita was always there to welcome and encourage everyone. I’ll miss your presence, my friend 🧡 Miigwich for the fun times!!
Wonderful ceremony, brought back memories of just how selfless Rita was, and her beautiful inspiring smile. Thank you Rita for all the pledges and donations to the CP association, i will always remember the Love, hope and courage you radiated and forgiveness you showed to those who did not have the capacity to understand the extent of her challenges and showed Love to them when they could not. Thank You Rita eternal Love to you see again and wishing you the happiest and most peaceful journey into Heaven
Rita was truly a wonderful friend to Paul, Danielle , and me. What an ambassador of life. We are very fortunate to have had Rita in our lives.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Marguerite and Danielle
Rita was a gift to the world!
Nowadays, the words “brave” and “resilient” are used so flippantly, but Rita was truly the embodiment of those things! Rita was a go-getter who stood up for what she believed in and was a living example of how to live out God’s calling for your life. Rita was wise, loving and kind. She was inspirational and lived fearlessly placing her trust in the Lord. Rita was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met and cared deeply for those in her community. Rita had a laugh that could fill a room with the joy of the Lord! I thank God for the honour to have been able to share her time for a little bit in this lifetime.
Rita, my sister in Christ, I love you and thank you. We’ll see you again in our Father’s house…
Much love to Ray (you’re never alone. God is with you & you are very much loved) and the family of Rita and Ray; praying for you all & may Creator bring you peace and comfort during this time!
i am so sorry for your wife rita suzan paynter died of her cancer and i will be miss her forever and always hugs to you and your family always love my friend rita and her heaven and rest of her friends and her friend jessica died of 11 years of 2013 to 2024 and she was a great friend and she will be very special to see her friend again and again… i love her so much and i hope she will be with her friend in heaven and rest and chat again soon love chantal lussier
Rita was a light! She cared about everyone she knew. Work hard at whatever she was doing at the time. Like everyone else she had tough times too but did not want pity, this kept rolling down this journey we call life. Circumstances through Covid and life unfortunately meant that I have not seen her in years. It makes me very sad that I missed being there as a friend. Despite this I know I have lots of great memories to cherish.