Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Rita Mavis Halpin, of Walkerton, formerly of Hanover, passed away at Brucelea Haven, on Monday, March 11, 2024. She was 93.
Born in Windsor, Ontario, on January 26, 1931, to the late William and Mabel (nee Taylor) Potts. Rita married the love of her life, Terence 'Terry' Halpin in 1953, and moved to the Hanover area over 50 years ago. Together they created a home that was family to eight children, several foster children, and many in need of a haven. Rita was the driving force behind ‘the farm’ at RR 2 Elmwood, where there were adventures with horses and sheep along with many memorable gatherings.
Many will remember Rita from her involvement with the Hanover Library Board, Walkerton Community Living, HARC, U-Need-Us Club, Chesley Saddle Club, and Scottish Country Dancing. Rita returned to teaching when the kids were older, and later took on administrative work at Terry’s law practice.
Rita and Terry relished friendships and amused grandchildren at the cottage and the boat. She always had time for a horse show or trail ride. Rita’s greatest joy was her large family and staying involved with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rita was a mentor to many. Wise and compassionate, warm and welcoming, sometimes a ham, she will be missed.
Survived by children Pat (Colin) Perkel of Toronto, William Potts-Halpin (Sandra Blackman) of Ottawa, Mary (Dave) Lozowsky of Brampton, Bud (Jenny) Halpin of Port Elgin, Bernie Halpin of Meaford, Rob (Barb) Halpin of Durham and Teresa Halpin (Kevin Becker) of Chesley. Proud grandmother of 25 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Fondly remembered by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and their families. Predeceased by her husband Terry, daughter Susan Halpin, grandson Kevin Soper, brother Raymond Potts and sister Brenda Merlo. We are grateful to the staff of Brucelea Haven for their loving care of Rita over the past several years.
Visitation will be held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 5-8 pm. Visitation will continue on Friday, March 22, 2024 at Holy Family Church, Hanover, from 12 noon to 12:45 pm, where a Funeral Mass will follow at 1 pm. A private family interment service will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Hanover. For those unable to attend the funeral mass, it will be live streamed via Holy Family Church (https://holyfamily.ca/media/).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Chalice Canada (www.chalice.ca/donate) or St. Vincent de Paul - Hanover would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mightonfuneralhome.ca.
Tribute Slideshow Video
I'm very sorry for the loss of Rita and have nothing but fond memories of her and her children when growing up in Elmwood.
My aunt Sue is not well, while I'm not discounting her experiences in life I would say to the general public she has been experiencing mental health difficulties for sometime and should know that this isn't a forum to discuss her personal grievance with someone who has passed, even if it's not true.
I'm very sorry to the Halpin family for her comments and would reiterate I have nothing but good memories of the Halpins or Potts-halpins.
Please accept my condolences.
My sincere condolences to the Halpin family. I have many memories of the family as you were once neighbours of ours. Prayers and thoughts to all of you. Your mother was a wonderful lady.
Hugs to all Dianne
Dear Halpin Cousins and Families
Sending you my prayers and heartfelt sympathy for the passing of sweet Aunt Rita.
Memories of Aunt Rita feel like a warm hug, visualizing her sweet smile, bright eyes, and warm laughter. I have always considered Aunt Rita a lifelong role model of how important it is to remain grateful and giving in all aspects of life. I am forever grateful of the precious memories from the farm and family visits thereafter. I can hear my Dad saying with respect, “She's one special lady” and I could not agree more.
Wishing you all peace and comfort through your memories, with love and respect Nora Jean (Ryan) Mallat
Dear Halpin family
I have so many fond memories of happy times at the farm and later in your new home.Your mom always welcomed Jim and I and our family with open arms. She never seemed fazed when the 6 of us, our dog and our camper arrived.
Rita had an incredible spirit and was a woman ahead of her time.I always wanted to be like her when I grew up.
Jim and I spent a couple of fun summers on a houseboat with your Mom and Dad and those are very treasured memories.
It isn't easy to lose someone who was so special. Please accept my condolences.
I will be with you all in spirit on Friday and regret that I can't be there to give you all a hug. You are very special to me.
My sympathy to the Halpin family on the death of your mother and grandmother Rita. I have many fond memories of time spent with both your parents. Rita was a friend and mentor and I have many good memories of her.
- Leona HuttonPat, Bill, Mary, Bud, Bernie, Rob & Teresa: It was with a very heavy heart that I read of your Mom's passing in the paper just now. My heart aches for all of you. Rita was a very special person to me. From the age of 8 years old as a foster mother to myself and my 4 year old sister, she taught me how it felt to have a "Mom" who loved and cared for us, ensuring we had a "healthy lunch" when we went to school, amazing meals every day, sound advice and lots and lots of love. Your parents taught me how to love and be loved. They were such amazing people and have always held a very special piece of my heart. My sincerest condolences to all of you for the heartbreak you must feel losing such a special Mom. May she rest in peace always and forever and know how much she was loved by so, so many :(
- Connie Lynn D'AuvernayOur sincere condolences to Rob & Barb, and all the Halpin family. Although we didn't know Rita, she sounds like an amazing woman who lives on in so many memories and through her family. May God's grace be with you all.
- Suzan and Bryan PlumsteadSincere condolences to all the family. Your Mother was a beautiful lady in every way, as was your Dad. May your beautiful memories console you.
- Frank DentingerFond memories of Rita and Terry, my condolences.
James Skarnikat
I send my condolences to all the Halpin Family.
- Charlie AshburyDeepest sympathy to Rita's family and friends at this very sad time. A pleasure to have known her. Impossible to forget her insightful comments and down to earth common sense and wisdom.
- Aidan HalpinRITA AND TERRY BOUG HT THE LOT RIGHT NEXT TO US ON 11TH AVE.AND WE SOON BECAME FAST FRIENDS AND REMAINED SO THROUGH THE YEARS. RITA AND TERRY WERE A MAZING PARENTS AND INCREDIBLE HUMAN BEINGS.
I LEARNED THAT HAVING A LARGE FAMILY WAS A BLESSING AND FUN TO RAISE BUT LOTSA HARD WORK-BUT RITA DID EVERYTHING IN HER STRIDE-SHE WAS MY MENTOR
MEL AND I LOVED THEM BOTH AND STILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH SOME THROUGH THEE YEARS..WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD THEM IN OUR LIVES. I WILL MISS YOU. BUT WONDERFUL MEMORIES WILL LAST US FOREVER. REST IN PEACE……..
Hi Teresa and Family;
My condolences to you and all of your family members. It is certainly hard losing a love one, especially a Mom. Hopefully the memories will see you through this rough time and you will always have them to look back on as you continue to remember her and move forward.
I love you and know that my heart is with you at this difficult time.
Pat, Bud & Jenny and families, thinking of you all with the passing of your mother. Our sincere condolences.
- Christina & Henry WinkelsTeresa and family
Sending my sincere condolences at the passing of your Mom / Grandmother-I did not have the pleasure of knowing Rita-her tributes are a testament to a life well lived. May memories bring you comfort in the days ahead
Our condolences to the Halpin family. Lorraine and I met Rita through Terry, a legal colleague, and we enjoyed their Irish themed parties in Hanover. They were gracious and fun-loving hosts. On many other occasions we had the great gift of their company. Remarkable people. May Rita's memory be a blessing. George and Lorraine Brophy
- George and Lorraine BrophyI'm sorry to hear of your Mom's passing.
Our sympathies to the you all.
Jamie Lynn & John Zettler
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the extended Halpin family.
- Brad & Barb LeifsoSorry to hear about your mom. A tremendous lady who led a full life. Our condolences. Randy Devlin and Gloria Bowes.
- Randy devlinWhat a wonderful full life Rita lived, she had love in her heart and a smile on her face for all. It has been my good fortune to have known Rita for my entire life her good nature and kindness was always present.
My condolences to all my cousins who have lost your amazing Mother and Grandmother and friend.
Tom Bennett
The farm years... When I told your Mom/grandmother that I thought the goats were wonderful creatures, she replied with that mischievous twinkle in her eyes that it was sometimes hard explaining to guests how those tiny little dents appeared on their cars. I was so sorry to hear of Rita's passing but know that she has left a lifetime of warm memories you will treasure forever.
- Ed KingDear Bud, Jenny, and the whole Halpin family,
We are sorry to hear about Rita's passing. Although we did not know her, she sounds like an amazing woman. Our condolences.
Please accept my deepest condolences to all family and friends. She will be so missed. R.I.P. Rita 🙏
- Marie FongSending our sincere sympathies on the loss of your Mom and Grandma.
Dan and Dorothy OConnell
My deepest sympathy to all of the Halpin family. Rita was a grand lady who will be deeply missed.
- Susan GalbraithYour family is in our thoughts at this time. We remember Rita from HARC & Community Living. She was very friendly, compassionate, with a real "Joie de vive".
- Rudy & Reta DerksenI was saddened to learn of Rita's demise. A life well lived.
I always enjoyed our conversations with her & Terry. A wonderful couple.
Our sympathy Rob and Barb and families on the loss of your mother. I remember your mom and dad back in the days. Rita was a classy woman who lived a good long life .Doug and Sheila Long
- Doug and Sheila longOn behalf of Community Living Meaford, I'd like to extend our deepest condolences to your family.
- Jeffrey PilkingtonSorry to hear of your loss, never easy.
- Ed BoersmaSending my condolences to the Halpin Family with the passing of Rita. I enjoyed her visits at Bernie's home in Meaford. RIP Rita!
- Brenda PowellMy deepest sympathies on the loss of your Mother and grandmother. ❤️Cathy Lund
- Cathy LundSending our Condolences and deepest sympathy at this most difficult time. We keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs!
- Robert and Donna MacMillanReally sorry to hear about your Mom. My deepest condolences to you all especially Rob and Barb . Your Mom was a lovely woman. John Dow
- John DowCondolences to all. Do many memories of your backyard. Playing with Bernie and your willow tree! All the girls were do much fun. My Dad put Buddy in a garbage once for some silly reason!
- carolyn allenCondolences to all. So many memories of you all on the backbyard!
- CarolynAllenCondolences to all. So many happy times in your backyard! Plsyingvon thecwilliw tree and with Bernie too. My dad put Buddy in the garbage pailnone for some silly reason! I will let my sister Sandy know as well.she will be missed by do many!
- carolyn allenTo all the Halpin's: On behalf of my family, please accept our sincerest condolences for the loss of your dear Mom. I remember her very well from childhood…..my parent's friendship with your folks, your parents' friendship with our neighbours Pat & Tess Kiely, school, high school and of course church. I remember too several visits to your “farm”, where your mother's welcoming spirit was larger then life. She was a “force” but always so kind and gracious to visitors. I even remember her being brave enough to break up a dog fight between two “Setters”….yours and ours. I know that your Mom & Dad were such a loving couple and I am sure your Mom has missed your Dad terribly. Now they are together again forever. Please know that we're thinking of you all and hope that the wonderful long life your Mom enjoyed left you all with a treasure trove of memories. Very sincerely, Teresa (Dunnigan)
- Teresa DunniganTo all if you my condolences. So many memories of being neighbours. My dad put Buddy in the garbage pail one time for some silly reason. The donkey in the backyard. And playing with Bernie in the backyard too. The big weeping willow tree to play on. I will let my sister sandy know as well.
- Carolyn Allen
