It is with sadness we announce the passing of Janet Ritchie in her 86th year. She passed away November 28, 2012 peacefully with her family at her side.
Janet was born November 8, 1926 in Armstrong B.C. to Fred and Edna Murray.
Growing up in Armstrong as a young girl, Janet had a love of sports and an independent streak that she maintained to her last breath. She was proud of her “tom boy” reputation and the nick name “butch” which she liked to throw out when regaling her 5 precious grandchildren with stories of her youth.
Janet married George Ritchie September 6, 1947. Upon George’s graduation from UBC in 1950 they moved to Salmon Arm where she lived to the time of her death. Together Janet and George built a home, raised a family and enjoyed the company of family and friends. Special outings at family homes and on the Shuswap Lake were of great importance to her. While she feigned reluctance at following George to his many remote work sites she would have had it no other way. Janet was never one to turn down a chance to socialize. She was an avid curler, golfer and fisherman. She was a loyal fan of her sons’ and grand childrens’ endeavors.....she followed their activities to many a hockey rink, water ski site, auditorium or other venues. Janet and George became avid travelers later in life, a pastime that she continued with special friends after George’s death in 1989.
Mabel Lake held a special place in Janet’s heart as it was there she spent her summers as a young girl at the “family cabin”. She passed this same passion on to her sons and to her grandchildren, who to this day maintain a special affection for the place they call “Nan’s”. The lake is where Janet would go to relax, fish and develop the stories of the one that got away.
Janet was predeceased by her husband George, son Gordon, sisters Marg and Anne and brothers Jack and Bill. She is survived by her sons Glen (Henriette) and Bruce (Pam), 5 grandchildren – Gord(Tara), Don(Kristine), Ashleigh, Cassie and Tziganey(Aaron) and 2 great grandchildren - Brendan and Kaylene.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to Aunt Mary and the many relatives and friends who visited Mom at Hillside Village. We would also like to thank Dr. C. Malinowski, and the staff at Hillside Village and in particular, Cottage 6. The tremendous care and respect offered Janet was second to none.
There will be no funeral service but the family will be hosting a party to celebrate Janet’s life at Mabel Lake in the summer of 2013 (date TBA). In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Janet’s name, to your favorite charity.