Obituary of Margarita Marion Upshall

It is with great sadness the family announce the passing of Margarita (Rita) Upshall, on November 6th, 2022.  Rita will be forever loved and forever remembered. 

Rita is survived by her husband George, sons Dirk (Brenda), Dale (Diane), daughters Karen and Michele (Valente),  grandchildren John, Jennifer (Glen), Amie (Ryan), Chantele (Dave), Kyle (Melissa), Tommy (Candice), Matthew (Holly), and Micah (Chelsey), great grandchildren, Isabelle, Aiden, Levi, Ava, Sloane, Carter, and Ireland, as well as other beloved family members that reside in England.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Victor Martinson, her parents, Gladys Marshall and Harry Marshall (Clem), her brothers, Harry and Chris Marshall (Margaret) and Cousin Barbara.

Rita lived life to the fullest. She was an accomplished Borzoi dog breeder with many Best-in-Show championships.  Her love for animals was not only for dogs, as she was an advocate for a wide variety of animals, many of them rescues.  Her successful entrepreneur endeavors included being a business owner for over 30 years at the Boyce Farmers' Market, founder and owner of the Special Blend Coffee Company, with her husband, George and daughter, Karen.  Rita and George also had a thriving sleigh ride business for over 25 years, as well as being foster parents for 20 years. 

Her family was a large part of her life. She preserved the tradition of weekly Sunday dinners that she maintained for 25 years, which proved to be the glue for bringing the family together.  This was a cherished tradition and family memory loved by all, including any invited friends and guests who were lucky enough to be there.

Visitation will take place at McAdam’s Funeral Home, 160 York Street, on Friday, November 11th, 2022, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.  The funeral service will be held on November 12th, 2022, at 1:30pm, with a reception to follow at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 986 Smythe Street, Fredericton; all are welcome.  Interment service will be a private gathering.

She leaves behind quite a legacy and everyone who knew her, knew how caring and special she was. We will miss her more than words can say.  Contributions in memory of Rita can be made to the Salvation Army Food Bank, as well as the SPCA.