Connie Mae McRitchie

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Connie McRitchie.

Connie was born December 27, 1956 to the late Donald and Lucille Patterson in Atikokan Ontario.

On November 9,1974 Connie married the love of her life Fred McRitchie. The love they shared is eternal and seen by all who knew them as a beautiful example of true love.

After fighting a long hard battle with Cancer,

Her strength and determination remained strong however her body grew weak.

And with her family by her side and a tender kiss from her husband Fred, Connie peacefully slipped away into the waiting embrace of the angles and is now Resting peacefully in God's arms.

Connie was predeceased by her parents Lucille and Donald Patterson, sister Doreen Saunders, step father James Kennedy, mother and father in law Maxine and Clifford McRitchie, special family Bridie and Ray Dolk, brother in laws Buzzy McGauley and Raymond Wilson.

Family and friends meant the world to Connie and she leaves behind many to mourn her.

The love of her life and her husband of 41 years, Fred; her children whom she loved

unconditionally and had an unbreakable bond, son Troy and daughter Shawna, her greatest treasure and her pride and joy her Granddaughter Aurora; her

Boys Marjan Fraczkiewicz and Jamie McKelvie, they loved her like a mom and she loved him like a sons; her daughter in law Aubrey Meadows, Aubrey came into her life and not only gave Connie her precious granddaughter, Aubrey become her second daughter in the process; Connie also loved her furry little babies, Chloe, Keeta and Koda, they kept her warm and safe and always welcomed her home with a wagging tails, sloppy puppy kisses and furry snuggles.

"Sisters by chance, and friends by choice" she deeply loved her sisters Marilyn Olsen, Denise Patterson and twin Bonnie Penney.

Connie had 7 sister in laws... She referred to them as her 7 Angels... Marlene McGauley, Cheryl Alexiuk, Donna Ferris, Audrey LaFreniere, Valerie Verschare, Diana Wilson and Debbie Rogoza all welcomed Connie to the family and loved her unconditionally as the 8th sister.

Connie had a special friendship and sisterhood with Trudy Christian, the love they shared goes beyond words. The Dolk's and McRitchie's grew up as more than just neighbours, they were Family. From Gramma Dolk's apple pies to Family BBQs with Connie in her apron and chefs hat the love could be felt throughout the neighbourhood.

Connie was very proud to be a "Hockey Aunt" to Kaydon and loved cheering him on at all his games, he held a very special place in her heart.

Her great niece Katherine Davidson was like Connie's first grandchild. She loved taking care of her as a baby and loved watching her grow into a beautiful young lady.

Connie had a very special friend Joan Lakatos, she loved her like a sister and was proud to call her friend, Joan was her rock and the times they spent together made her smile, laugh and filled her with happiness, strength and hope.

She also loved spending time with her second family the Fraczkiewicz's; Bev and Bogdan, Marjan and Helena. The McRitchie's and Fraczkiewicz's spend many holidays and family dinners together and they are proof that family doesn't end with blood.

Special family friends to Connie and Fred are Gary and Susan Savonen, though you may have lived miles apart, the love and friendship you held could never be separated by distance.

Connie had so many family and friends that she adored, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins and further extended family, there are too many to list you individuals but please know that she loved you all.

From skateboard ramps to sleepovers, Connie made sure her "kids" we're always fed, weather it was KD and hotdogs, McDonalds runs or especially her baking that only "Connie Crocker" could master. So many children grew up in the McRitchie household and will always have a little 'mom' place in their hearts for Connie.

A celebration of Connie's life will take place at a later date, Connie had a great love for the outdoors and spending time with her family and friends laughing, smiling and making memories. Together we will all celebrate her life and follow her wishes and be together to continue to smile, laugh and make memories.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Joan Lakatos, Marjan Fraczkiewicz, Jamie McKelvie, Kaydon Penney and Leona Jones

Even in sorrow, family can hold onto the thought that a life lived with so much love

Never really ends, but goes on forever in the hearts of those who remember.

A very special thank you to Joanne Sievers and the rest of the girls from Paramed and CCAC, and the staff of the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital Oncology Unit and Riverside Hospital nurses, Dr. Jenks and Diane McManaman

For taking such great care of Mom during her battle with cancer.

You will be missed by many-our hearts ache- Rest in Peace until we met again

In memoriam donations may be made to either the Canadian Cancer Society or the Tamarack House in Thunder Bay in care of Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M8

On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com