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GRACE ISABELL RITCHIE (CULLENS) Obituary pic

GRACE ISABELL RITCHIE (CULLENS)

Date of Passing: Jan 15, 2015

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GRACE ISABELL RITCHIE (nee CULLENS) Grace Isabell Ritchie (nee Cullens), on Thursday, January 15, at Concordia Hospital passed away at the age of 94. Grace was predeceased by Murray, her husband of 64 years, her parents James and Ellen Cullens and her brother Doug. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Linda (Ray) Antymis, son Tom Ritchie (Lynn Raineault), grandchildren Catherine Harris and Warren Bates and their respective families. Grace was born and raised in St. James where she attended Daniel McIntyre High School. When the Second World War broke out, ever adventuresome, she signed up to become a WREN and it is on the trip out to take up her post in Halifax that Grace met Murray from Craik, Saskatchewan. After the war, they lived for a while in St. Hubert, Quebec while Murray (shuttled planes back and forth). When Murray lift the Air Force, they travelled west with the intention of going to Vancouver, but stopped in Winnipeg to visit family and where they decided to settle, eventually buying the house on Beach Avenue in Elmwood where they lived for 54 years and raised their family. Grace went to work in the Candy Department at the downtown Bay until her retirement. There is nothing about candy she did not know! Grace and Murray loved to travel and did so extensively throughout the U.S., Europe and Canada but summers were always spent at the cottage in Sandy Hook and the door was always open for children, grandchildren, friends and the Poker Club. An intensely social person, she tried golfing and curling, but it was dancing (square and round, including the skits and crinolines) and bridge that she loved best and made many, many friends in her various pursuits. Infirmity and blindness eventually put an end to those hobbies, but the friendships continued, and she enjoyed lots of visitors in her later years. In spite of her physical limitations, she remained feisty and stayed keen to undertake new adventures, even if on a somewhat smaller scale than previously. In accordance with Grace's wishes, a private family service will be held at Chapel Lawn Cemetery. Our appreciation is extended to Dr. D. Caners for his wonderful care. A special thank you goes to Stella and Carole from the River East Home Care Program which enabled Grace to live comfortably at home. Thank you to Rev. Bonita Garrett and the ladies of Grey Street United Church for their wonderful outreach program. MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME STONEWALL 204-467-2525

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2015

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

  • Linda, so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Having lost mine just 6 months ago, I know how you must feel, my heart goes out to you. Grace was a great lady with an infectious laugh. I still remember dropping by The Bay's candy counter when I was a teen. She will be missed by all those who knew her. - Posted by: Ray Thorogood (Friend) on: Feb 15, 2015

  • My dear Grace, my Godmother and my lifetime friend. Oh how I will miss you and your laughter, your kindness and your jam cake. When I was a little girl, you made my favourite dresses and I still remember how pretty you made me feel. My life was enriched in so many ways by knowing you and I'm so very thankful for that. If my mum was still here, she would run out of accolades to bestow upon you. You were her forever friend and you brought so much pleasure into her life. You will be terribly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing you. Good-bye, my darling Grace. Rest peacefully. Love Sandie & Ray - Posted by: Sandie Paluc (Goddaughter) on: Jan 26, 2015

  • Sorry Linda to hear about your Mum it was nice having chats with Grace and a cup of tea/coffee { missed her since I moved Marion grace - Posted by: Marion Reynoldson-Blaine (Friendm) on: Jan 24, 2015

  • Dear Gracie...How I enjoyed our talks together as we sat outside to enjoy our greenery and others who enjoined in conversation. Seems I knew some former acquaintances you did. You spoke of your husband Murray, daughter, and most family and especially grandchildren, which you did, lovingly. I loved your hair colour and often told you so, as well a syour easy laughter. I recall your Royal Doulton collection which you let me view. I believe we met at a heart level, in sharing small topics of interest as fellow souls do. Thank you for just being you. Now you have returned to our real home to re-unite with loved ones. See you again Grace. Blessing, Love and Joy...Madeleine - Posted by: Madeleine Oliver's of 1660 Henderson hwy. Riverside Plaza () on: Jan 20, 2015

  • My sincere condolences to Linda, Tom and families. Our mothers were great friends over many years and kept in touch by phone, even after they were unable to visit in person. I last spoke with your mom about a year ago, after sending her some old pictures from my mother's keepsakes. She told me stories about their adventures as young adults and I was so impressed by her zest for life and interest in sharing these memories. - Posted by: Maureen Coe (daughter of close personal friend, Mary Morton) on: Jan 18, 2015

  • Linda, Cathy (Michael & Carly). I am so sorry to have heard about the passing of Grace. I have fond memories of her, Murray, Wally & Olive, as well as good memories at Sandy Hook. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Doug - Posted by: Doug Warkentin (Friend) on: Jan 18, 2015

  • Grace always had a smile and a cup of coffee at the ready and I felt welcomed and loved in her presence. What great neighbors her and Murray were to us on Beach Ave. The obituary brought back wonderful memories of what a very special person she was. When I got engaged Grace was the first one to throw me a bridal shower; Murray gave the speech to the bride at my wedding. At Sandy Hook when I was out walking my dog I would look to see if Grace was home (Murray would be golfing of course) and I would drop in for a chat. These are very good memories for me. - Posted by: Verna Blais (Proctor) (friend and neighbour) on: Jan 18, 2015

  • We always remember Grace as a caring, laughing, compassionate neighbour. Her's was a place we could always go to where she had a cookie or a candy for us and a smile, and my parents, Verne & Cic, thought the world of her. - Posted by: Terry Proctor (Former neighbour) on: Jan 18, 2015

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