Rita was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend over her incredible 98 years of life. She passed peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025.
Rita was humble, kind, and hardworking. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, laughter, and faith.
Born to Nicolas Pineda and Faustina Pineda (nee Lampa) in San Antonio, Bacolor, Pampanga, Philippines, Rita was the fourth eldest of nine children. Planting rice and harvesting eggplants were some of the many memories she shared growing up in Bacolor. Rita especially cherished her primary school days, alongside her cousin and friend, Meren Ocampo, at St. Mary's Academy. While her studies were interrupted by World War II, she was very proud of her scholarly achievements and her daily volunteering at San Guillermo Parish.
Rita married her husband, Leocadio Malig, in 1949. Together, they had nine wonderful children. In the aftermath of the Mount Pinatubo eruption, Rita immigrated to Calgary, AB, where she spent the remainder of her life. In Calgary, she enjoyed gardening in her backyard, celebrating Mass at Corpus Christi Parish, attending Golden Generation Seniors Club of Calgary events, and playing word search puzzles on her iPad late into the night.
She is survived by her children, Reynalda, Gregorio (Lina), Marina, Aurelio (Leonila), Paulina (Josefino), Teresita (Robert), Susana (Nolando), and Flora. She is greatly missed by her 26 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, her daughter-in-law Laurencita, her two siblings, Augustina and Ricardo, and her many friends.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells) at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall at the Church.
Source: McInnis & Holloway Funeral Home
