THOMPSON, Marguerite (Rita) Our wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away suddenly on July 22, 2007 at the age of 84. Rita was born October 30, 1922 in Brussels, Belgium. She grew up in troubled times in Belgium, but completed her studies in fashion design and education. She met a young pilot in the RCAF, Ernie Thompson and on April 27, 1946 they were married. Rita moved from the busy city of Brussels to rural Alberta, on a small farm near Bowden, where she and Ernie farmed for many years. Together, Rita and Ernie had twelve children, who were raised with love on the farm. She worked seasonally at Alberta Nurseries in the early 70's, and taught conversational French at the continuing education department of Olds College for a number of years in the 70's and 80's. In 2003, Ernie and Rita sold the farm, and moved to the Innisfail Country Lodge, where she resided until her passing. Rita was predeceased by her parents Hubert and Elizabeth; her father and mother in law John and Isabel; two brothers Hubert and Raymond; 6 brother in laws; 2 sisters in law; a very special granddaughter Amanda in 2001 and her loving husband Ernie in 2005. She will be lovingly remembered by her children; 3 daughters - Michele (Ab) Brewster, Monique (Bill) Wood and Chantal (Kevin) Bennett; 9 sons-Roly (Jeannie), Allan (Faye), Bruce (Annie), Marc, Pat, Michael (Margaret), Stephen (Colleen) Dwayne (Lorna) and David; 28 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; one sister Martha in Belgium; sister in law Nina Young of Bowden, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews in both Canada and Belgium. Special thanks to the management and staff at the Innisfail Country Lodge for their kindness to Mom, she enjoyed her years there so much. Heartfelt thanks to Sister Anne-Marie for her compassion and kindness with Mom and all the family. There are angels among us. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, July 26 at 3:00 p.m. at Our Lady Of Peace Catholic Church (4304 49th Ave, Innisfail). Interment to follow at the Bowden Cemetery. If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made to the Innisfail Country Lodge (3308 52nd Avenue, Innisfail, AB. T4G 1E2). Arrangements entrusted to METCALF FUNERAL CHAPEL 4200 49th Avenue, Innisfail. Phone 227-3123. Proudly serving our community for over 45 years.