Surrounded by the love of her family, our beloved mother, grandma, and great-grandma, Catherine Ritchie peacefully passed away on February 20, 2024, joining her beloved husband, Alvin and sons Charles and Ronald. Treasured mother of Don (Carol) Ritchie, Darlene (John) Stewart, and Diane (the late John) McRae, as well as Deb (Brian) Cooper. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, and will be forever cherished by her seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Catherine was a devout member of the Dunlop Central United Church and, previously, the Devine Street Church. Throughout the years following the loss of her husband, Alvin, her faith provided her with solace and strength. She found immense joy in spending time with her family, whether triumphing over them in spirited games of euchre (where it is rumoured she cheated), cheering on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren during their hockey games or attending Sunday services. Over the years, the Ritchies fostered enduring bonds with Catherine's sister's family, the Huttons, creating countless memories during summer reunions in Hanover and at the Old Place.
Catherine's absence will be deeply felt, not just by her immediate family, but also by the extended family she collected over the years. She embodied the essence of every grandma, with her knitting expertise, oatmeal gumdrop cookies that were unrivaled, her sweet voice, tiny stature, and above all, her immense love that imprinted a lasting legacy on all fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her.
A family graveside service will be held in Lucknow in the spring to celebrate the life and love of Catherine, affectionately known as GG. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to a charity of choice (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
To Those I Love And Those Who Loved Me
When I am gone, release me. Let me go…
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy, we had so many years.
I gave you my love and you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love
you each have shown,
But now it's time I travelled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must;
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part,
So bless those memories in your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on;
So if you need me, call me and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me.
I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart,
You'll hear,
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then,
when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say
"Welcome Home."
