Obituary of V. Barbara Ritchie
V. BARBARA RITCHIE
March 30, 1932 – August 5, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Ritchie, peacefully at her home in Toronto, on Friday, August 5, 2022 at the age of 90.
Barbara now joins her beloved husband of 58 years, Cedric Ritchie (1927-2016). Devoted mother of Heather Walton and Kim Persky (Michael). Proud grandmother of Jana, Eric, Kyla and Kevin Persky; and Courtney Ritchie, Connor and Taylor Walton. Fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews, extended family, and many friends worldwide. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, and her brother Gilbert.
Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Barbara grew up on a farm before leaving the prairies to attend the Royal Alexandra Hospital School of Nursing in Alberta. Upon graduation she began her nursing career in Lethbridge where she met her husband Cedric. After marrying in 1957 they moved to Toronto. Despite leaving the West, Barbara remained in contact with her classmates and never failed to attend her reunions when circumstances allowed.
Family and friends meant the world to Barbara. She had a wide network of friends developed through her extensive travels and active lifestyle. She enjoyed golf, fitness classes and curling at the Donalda Club, and was an avid skier. Barbara loved spending time in the Laurentians with family and friends and particularly cherished Christmases spent in Ste. Adele. She treasured every opportunity to be together.
Barbara was a committed volunteer -- active in her church, delivering Meals on Wheels, providing programing for Senior Citizens -- and later in life, a dedicated philanthropist. She believed that everyone should have access to medical care and education, hence her philanthropic priorities focused on medical research, education, and human services. Earlier in 2022, she was honoured for her ongoing support of Fighting Blindness Canada, the Yonge Street Mission, and the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, where she was an Honorary Trustee.
Quick to offer encouragement or words of advice, Barbara was generous with her time and always available for others. She was a vibrant model of commitment, generosity, integrity and love and we will sorely miss her.
The family will receive friends at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, 230 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto M4V 1R5, on Tuesday, August 16th at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. The service will be livestreamed and the link can be found on the funeral home website.
If desired and in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Fighting Blindness Canada, the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, the Yonge Street Mission or a charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.
© 2022 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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