RITCHIE,
Dorothy Rose
At the age of 103 years, Dorothy Rose Ritchie died peacefully at her beloved home in Qualicum Beach.
Dorothy, award winning interior designer and world traveller was born in Leicester, England on October 15 1912 to her parents Harry and Ann. After living in Germany, where her sister Mildred (Hessenaur) was born, the family immigrated to Canada settling in Kitchener, Waterloo, Ontario where their father ran a business for many years. After graduating from university in Interior Design, Dorothy worked for 17 years at the T. Eaton Company at their Toronto College Street store. When in Toronto, Dorothy and Tom married and lived happily together until his death in 1997. From 1966 to 1979, the couple wintered in their home in Tobago and then retired to Qualicum Beach in 1981. Sister Mildred, who died in 2003, came to live with Dorothy and Tom after her husband’s death.
Dorothy and Tom travelled extensively throughout the world and delighted in meeting people from all corners of the earth but always returned to their community in Qualicum Beach which they loved. Dorothy’s sharp wit and sense of humour which lasted to the end, will be remembered by many.
Dorothy very much appreciated all her friends, business professionals and health care providers who supported her so very much. A deep heartfelt thank you to all of you and to the Qualicum and Parksville communities for looking after and truly respecting one of your senior citizens.
A graveside service at Dorothy’s request, will take place at Qualicum Beach on November 12, 2015 at 1:30 pm. Flowers are gratefully declined but if you would like to make a donation, please consider the Vancouver Foundation Ritchie Hessenaur Fund.