Reta Cruickshank

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Preferred charities for memorial donations in Reta's name,
Donate to Diabetes Canada
Donate to McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation


With heavy hearts, we announce the death of family matriarch Margaret (Reta) Cruickshank, age 100. She passed away peacefully on June 14, 2022, at Revera Burloak Long Term Care.

Reta was born on March 21, 1922, to Columba and Domenico Lalla and was the last living sibling of her family of 10 brothers and sisters. She spent most of her younger life growing up on the family farm. This provided the foundation for her strong work ethic and commitment to family, as well as her deep love for animals.

Reta's first job was at Charters Printing, and it was here that she met the love of her life, Roland Cruickshank (deceased). After marriage, they started a successful business, Roland Printing Company Ltd., where they worked side by side every day. Her dream of becoming a mother was realized when she welcomed Betty (Randy deceased) and Doug (Stella). She is also survived by her grandchildren Natalie (Lee), Avery (Brian), Dana (Beatrice), Drew (Krystal), Reid (Kerrie), and great-grandchildren Westley, Harley, Scarlett, and Phoenix.

Reta was a doting aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Her maternal nature was immensely strong, and throughout her life she continued to nurture these relationships.

Reta was a quiet, gentle, and loving soul who touched the lives of everyone she met. She will also be remembered for being a fantastic cook, a pet-lover, a game-for-anything travel companion, and a search-a-word master. People gravitated to her very presence, and many of these friendships continued for the remainder of her life. In her travels, the souvenirs she brought back were the names and numbers of new friends she had made along the way.

She will forever be cherished for the sunshine she brought into our lives.