Obituary of Rhea Springsted

With broken hearts the family announces the unexpected passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Rhea Springsted (née Upshall), at the age of 88, on April 7 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton. She suffered a stroke from which she could not recover. While we had no warning, we were able to spend her final hours there by her side, reminding her of just how deeply she was loved. 

Predeceased by her beloved husband and partner in all things, Bill (2019), Rhea was the remarkable and cherished mother of Julie (Rick), Kim (Richard), Jeff (Carrie), Kristi (Scott), and Jaynee (Greg). Her love extended to her grandchildren, Amie (Dan), Ryan (Claire), Stephanie (Alistair), Ann Marie, Jinean (Matt), Jacob, Quinn, Amber, and Grant, as well as her great-grandchildren (Jackson, Brandon, Nathan, Adam, Callum, Ethan, Gabriel, Kieran, James, and Evelyn). 

Our family was the centre of Mom’s heart. The role of matriarch was one she was born to play. She always told us she wanted a big, loud family—and that’s exactly what she got with all of us!

In addition to being an amazing mother, Rhea was a woman of strong character and service. A devoted teacher, her passion for education led her to serve as a long-time trustee and chair of the Wentworth County School Board. She was spirited and unapologetically outspoken. Mom loved her Blue Jays, curling, politics, and Y&R.  

Above all, Mom had a remarkable ability to love others fiercely and without condition, for her heart was enormous. She was adored by many and returned their affection in equal measure. Her closest friends became her family, too, and together they formed the TUFF Nation: a priceless gift that will live on in all of us. We are the luckiest people in the world to have had her in our lives.

Mom and Dad’s love story began in grade nine; for the next 65 years, they were inseparable. They created the family of their dreams and built an amazing, adventure-filled life together, setting off on dozens of trips around the world. Even though she spent the last six years without him, Mom’s love for Dad remained as strong as the day they met. We know that Dad has her now. Dad, you’ve got your “best girl” back. Take good care of her. We still really needed her here, but we know she’d always rather be anywhere you are.

Mom, you were our hero and the mother of our dreams. Thank you forever.    

As per Mom’s wishes, cremation has already taken place and a celebration of Mom’s life will happen in the near future.

In lieu of flowers - raise a glass of whatever you enjoy with the people you enjoy and love the most.  Mom would have loved that.