Rita Charlene Reyno

May 22, 1947 - October 19, 2021

Rita Charlene Reyno passed away peacefully at the Victoria General Hospital on October 19th 2021. Charlene as she was known by friends was born in Antigonish to parents John and Sally (Carrigan) Macdonald. From the outset Charlene’s passion and purpose in life was her family. Due to the untimely death of her father Charlene was thrust into the role of supporting parent at an early age. Fiercely proud and protective of those within her family circle she helped her mother and brothers navigate the challenges faced by a single parent family in that era. At 15 years of age Charlene met Aubrey and the two immediately fell in love. The two were inseparable and Aubrey became more than the “brother in law” with the rest of the Macdonald boys and became truly their brother. Over the years Charlene had two Boys (Sean and Matthew) quickly followed by her two girls (Jennifer and Amanda). Charlene worked during the days as Aubrey worked nights so that there was always a parent home to take care of their children. Over the years her family circle grew as her Brothers and Sister’s had children of their own. With this growing family that fierce family loyalty and pride was not diminished or spread thin, it grew and became even stronger as can be attested by anyone who had cause to run afoul of any family member.Charlene’s joy in life came from this family, her favourite moments where spent on family camping trips to smileys or Graves island or even poolside in her brother Ian’s backyard. The trip with her family to Cuba always put a smile on her face at the remembered good times that where had. As Charlene’s children grew, she had even more people to love and care for with her 6 grandchildren. (Courtney, Grace, Sam, Layton, Mia and Jax). Charlene was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and she fought an unbelievable fight, characteristic of her in every way. Charlene’s answer to the question “how are you doing” was ultimately met with a smiling “great! Just great” during even the hardest of times for her. Her tenacity and courage in the face of her adversities during these years were an inspiration to everyone who knew her. You will be sorely missed, your laugh, your advice, your love. You can never prepare yourself for the loss of a parent, my Mom has been putting on a fight for the past 15 years battling cancer, and it has been an emotional roller coaster of emotions, I can’t count how many times I braced for impact of losing her, and then she would pull through EVERYTIME. WOWING DOCTORS AND JOKING DAY IN AND DAY OUT ABOUT HOW BLOOD WORK HAD BECOME AN OUTING THAT WAS FUN. Even in her sickness she still tried her best to get up every day and hold the family together by getting everyone together for holidays, and that woman never forgot a birthday . We all gave her everything we could in the last 6 months in hospital as she was fighting to recover from her stroke. Whatever she wanted she got, Dad made sure of it. Their love is a love I have never seen before, never once did I ever hear them fight or argue always putting each other first and taking care of the family. To watch someone I looked up to and who was so strong to be helpless was heart wrenching and all of the sudden the roles are reversed, you now become completely absorbed in whatever she needs, just like she did my entire life, I would have given anything to have her back sitting in her chair listening to one of my stories, making her laugh, but she was ready to go, tired of fighting, cancer, two strokes and a heart attack, it was her time. She is not struggling anymore, and she got her wish…God listened to her and to all of us and let her let go . Fly high “Rita Pita” I love you Mom, Love Mandy Mom , I always looked up to you for your bravery and compassion. I remember being chased by you in Hubbards, and I was running so fast , everyone yelling “run Matt RUN” and I fell and scraped my knee, you immediately picked me up brushed me off , kissed my wounds, and then slapped me in the back the head, and said “I still remember why I was chasing you “ !! this describes how I remember you because you could be as hard as nails, and at the same time as loving as a mother can be. You will always hold a big place in my heart, I love you Mom, Love Matthew Trying to write what I would say to you if I could have you back for 5 minutes is impossible. I could never put into words the impact your life had on me. As a matter of fact I am you in so many ways, as are all your kids. I see it now reflected in the behaviors of my children passed along like a family heirloom, your pride of Family, your compassion for the underprivileged, your fierce sense of right and wrong and your stubborn, (sometimes to a fault lol) nature. So if I had you back for five minutes I don’t think I wouldn.t say anything. I would do what I didn’t so enough of when you where here. I would hold you, and I wouldn’t let go. That is what I really wish I had you back for. Love Sean Mom If I could say one thing to you, it would be: I’m proud of you! You are the strongest soldier I have met, the most generous giving person. You always made me realize during your fight that complaining isn’t merited, because you never did. I saw a Calla Lily the second I walked into Superstore last night. I knew it was God reminding me of you. I will stay strong for the ones you left behind. You are in a good place now with no suffering and no tears. We will meet again soon, as our life here is but a vapor. Love Jenn