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EDITH ROSEMARY "ROSE" RITCHIE (Hitchen)

August 20, 2011

RoseRitchie

Edith Rosemary “Rose”

(Hitchen) Ritchie

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, August 20, 2011. Born in Nanaimo, British Columbia on June 24, 1935, Rose was the daughter of the late Albert and Edith (Taylor) Hitchen.

Rose is survived by her husband of 51 years, Edward “Ed” Ritchie (Nanaimo, BC); daughter, Susan Latour (Nanaimo, BC); son, James “Jim” and daughter-in-law, Stacey Ritchie (Nova Scotia); grandchildren Michelle, Sarah and Timothy Latour (Nanaimo, BC); brother and sister-in-law Albert “Ted” and Lynn Hitchen (Nanaimo, BC); sisters and brothers-in-law Cathy and John Garvey (Dewdney, BC), Grace and Jim Delday (Victoria, BC). Rose was also survived by two nieces, three nephews, several great nieces and nephews, many cousins, as well as her beloved cat “Boo.”

Rose’s life epitomized goodness; she constantly demonstrated unconditional love, kindness and selflessness throughout her 76 years. Rose was always considerate of others, and put their needs before her own. She quietly taught us by her example, to be good to one another.

Rose began her teaching career at the age of 20, following her studies at UVic, B.C. During her 40 years as an educator, Rose taught elementary school children at Harewood, Georgia Avenue, and Park Avenue Schools. She retired from teaching in 1995. Through her lengthy tenure as an educator, Rose helped to teach over one thousand Nanaimo students how to read and write.

Rose worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. She was involved with The Salvation Army and played the horn in their Nanaimo Band for over 45 years. Her faith was ever present in her daily life.

Rose will be remembered for many things, but she certainly felt her greatest accomplishment was her family. Rose truly enjoyed raising her children. She was a loving mother and a great support to Susan and Jim, paving the road for their success in adulthood. In later years, Rose was extremely pleased and exceptionally proud of her grandchildren. Michelle, Sarah and Tim always brought her great joy. She never missed an opportunity to spend time with them, happy times, of which there were many. Rose truly loved her role of grandmother.

Rose will be deeply missed by her husband Ed. There are no words to express the depth of sorrow that Ed feels in the loss of his beloved Rose. His faith in God is a comfort. Throughout their 51 years of marriage, Ed and Rose’s true love has remained, and their relationship will continue to serve as a reminder of what this life is all about - Love.

The Ritchie family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Andrew Baird for his exceptional care of our dear Rose. We also wish to thank the NRGH Nursing team; Palliative Care Unit and 1st floor nurses for their tender loving care. You will be remembered in our prayers.

A Funeral Service will be held at Sands Funeral Home in Nanaimo on Friday, August 26th at 1pm.

Donations in Rose’s memory may be made to The Salvation Army or World Vision Famine Relief efforts.

A rose once grew where all could see

Sheltered beside a garden wall

And, as the days past swiftly by

It spread its branches, straight and tall

One day, a beam of light shone through

a crevice that had opened wide

The rose bent gently toward its warmth

Then passed beyond to the other side

Now, you who deeply feel its loss

Be comforted, the rose blooms there

It’s beauty even greater now

Nurtured by God’s own loving care.

Rose, you have undoubtedly improved the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know you. We are grateful for the times we have spent with you. We will miss you deeply. You will remain lovingly in our hearts, until we are together again.

Sands ~ Nanaimo

(250) 753-2032



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