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JUDITH SIGNY RITCHIE (SCHESKE) B.
Born: Mar 11, 1948
Date of Passing: Mar 07, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJUDITH SIGNY RITCHIE (nee SCHESKE) B. Mus., A.M.M., L.M.M. March 11, 1948 - March 7, 2014 "Her laughter is silent - but her music goes on!" On Friday, March 7, 2014 Judy took her last breath after a 13 year gallant battle with breast cancer. Deeply missing her laughter and her kindness, her beauty and her song, are her beloved husband of 44 years, the Rev. Harold (Harry) W. Ritchie, her children, Matthew (Alison), Dr. Valdine Ritchie Mishkin (Jonathan) and Erik, and her sister, Pamela (whom Judy and Harry raised from age seven) and her beloved grandchildren, Emerson and Alexander (Xander) Mishkin and Toran and Willa Ritchie. She is also survived by her stepmother Joan Scheske, brothers, Glenn (Debbie) and Greg Scheske, her in-laws Grant and Judy Ritchie, Delle and Ralph Wood, and many other family members. She is predeceased by her parents, Vala and Ad Scheske, aunts and uncles, Agnes and Rudy Scheske, Helga and Ken Porter, and Siga Sigmar. She was well-known in the Winnipeg music community as a joyful and loving teacher of piano voice, and theory, and of Music for Young Children, Kindermusic and Music Pups. She was a sought-after adjudicator for music festivals in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. Her beautiful lyric coloratura soprano voice was valued for her solo work, and her involvement in many church choirs. She was fiercely proud of the accomplishments of her children, her grandchildren, and the hundreds of students she taught through the years. Teaching was her joy and her life - she taught her last lesson less than a month before she passed away. Judy was the consummate host, thoroughly enjoying the many family gatherings in our home and at our cottage. Her constant smile endeared her to everyone she met. She lived life to the fullest. She was a wonderful wife, mother, amma and sister. Judy wanted the family to especially thank Deanne Berger and Tiffany Wilson for their help. The family would like to thank Dr. C. Ogaranko, Dr. Ian Maxwell, and the staff of the Buhler Cancer Centre for their wonderful care. Also the staff of Grace Hospital for their care in her final days. A celebration of Judith's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Dr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Judith Ritchie Memorial Music Scholarship c/o The Winnipeg Foundation (https://wpgfdn.tng-secure.com/?moduleId=donations). NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 29, 2014
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Hi Harry, I was so sorry not to have been able to be with you and the kids today. Who knew there'd be a blizzard in April... May I first express my heartfelt gratitude to you for all of Judy's help with Mom before she moved to the Hat. She was so amazingly giving of her heart and time. She really was truly a one-of-a-kind person - only surpassed by her Mom and everyone's favourite Aunty Val...!! Our families have been brought together over the years by joy and tragedy - but always made better by being with one another. So - Harry Matthew Valdine Eric and Pam - God bless you all... Hugs and love Kim - Posted by: Kimberly Scheske (Cousin) on: Apr 03, 2014
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Thinking of you, Harry and family in this very difficult time. Many warm memories of Judy while you were in Roland. She made the best Vinatarta! - Posted by: Murray & Sherry Peirson - Roland (Harry's former congregation) on: Apr 02, 2014
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To the Ritchie family, my deepest condolences. I was lucky enough to have the chance to be taught by Judy through my high school years. I grew up two hours out of Winnipeg and my friend Jen and I were driven in every Saturday for our respective lessons. I think of her fondly every time I see a cup warmer, broccoli elastic or pop a fisherman's friend. I remember her telling us how she loved being pregnant at Christmas time because it gave her diaphragm that extra something to sing O Holy Night, and how she would grab on to my lower back to make sure I was making the most of mine. Judy had the most beautiful voice and wonderful sense of humour, and it always blew me away how she could play anything in any key at any time for me. She taught me so much and I am forever grateful. - Posted by: Tannis (Former student) on: Apr 02, 2014
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We wish to express our deepest Condolences to Judy's family. Our family will forever cherish the memory of Judy as the most gifted music teacher ever. We will never forget her enthusiasm and her beautiful smile. - Posted by: Wanda & Thomas Struthers (parents of former music students Renee and James) on: Mar 31, 2014
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My deepest condolences to Judy's family. I will never forget her laughter, her amazing voice, and her kindness. She was so much more than just a music teacher, she was an inspiration and treated myself and my family like we were part of her own. Her home was always warm and filled with music, and seeing her was often the best part of my week. Judy will be missed by everyone who knew her and her spirit will live on in our hearts. - Posted by: Natasha (Former student) on: Mar 29, 2014
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Dear Harry and family, I just wanted you to know how very sorry we are to hear the sad news of Judy. She and I kept in touch over the years, and I know she fought hard. I valued her friendship and wished we could have seen each other more over the years but facebook helped us reconnect. I still remember the lovely weekend we spent at your cottage at Caddy Lake and how much fun we all had. Judy was an exceptional musician and teacher and so many have benefitted from her sharing her love of music... in particular Laura who still plays piano today for enjoyment. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Take care and know we are thinking of you all, Carol, David, Sean, and Laura - Posted by: Carol and David Craig (friends) on: Mar 29, 2014
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Dear Harry I know the terrible time you are going through and I also know the relief that you feel. My love for Judy and appreciation for what she stood for was unfathomable. What patient she had when dealing with a mother and I will always be grateful for that. I remember in Ashern when they owned the store and I was staying with them. I proposed to her and she said we couldn't get married because she was a cousin. So I see myself as her first love ha! She was so much like mother who was my favourite Aunt Val. I remember our meetings at Clear Lake sometime I got to go to Minto and Judy went to ours. Our time together as families was magic. God bless you Harry. Love Barrett - Posted by: Rev. Barrett Scheske (cousin) on: Mar 29, 2014
