Obituary of Hedwig RITCHIE

HEDWIG RITCHIE (nee Wachal) Peacefully on Wednesday June 30, 2010 Hedwig our Mother, Gramma and Great Gramma passed away at the Kildonan Personal Care Center at the age of 100. She is survived by her daughter Eileen Merrick, son Jim Ritchie and daughter in law Betty, grandson Greg Ritchie, granddaughters Tracey and Paul Levesque, Sherri and Jim Baldwin, Susanne Merrick and Nihat Zeren and Jennifer Ritchie, great grandchildren Matt and Josh Levesque, Nick and Julia Baldwin, Jema and Hannah Zeren. She is also survived by her sister Jean Kupchak and sister in-law Mary Wachal. Hedwig was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years Tom and her brothers Tony, Frank, Edmond, John and Edward. Hedwig was born and grew up in Narol, Manitoba. When Hedwig and Tom married they moved to East St. Paul, where they built their own home and raised their family, where she resided until moving into K.P.C.C. in 2007. Hedwig had a passion for gardening and cooking. Her vegetable garden was her pride and joy and if she was not caring for her garden she was baking apple pie or preparing a batch of her famous perogies. She was a loving mother, gramma and great gramma and enjoyed spending time with her family. She enjoyed her time at the Narol Seniors Club, where she was an active member playing bingo, cards and a regular on the Seniors bus tours. She touched everyone's heart by her kindness and generosity and will be deeply missed. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the main floor staff at Kildonan Personal Care Center for the compassion and kindness shown to Heddy and family. A Celebration of Hedwig's life will be held on Tuesday, July 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church, 264 Donwood Dr. with Brother Tom officiating. Interment will follow in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Greg Ritchie, Paul Levesque, Jim Baldwin, Nihat Zeren, Tommy Wachal and Dave Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hedwig's memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation 6 Donald St. Wpg. MB. R3L OK6 or a charity of your choice.