I was so very saddened when Abbey shared with me that she had lost her Granny. 
I too called her Granny mostly because that’s what Abbey , Brett, Nolan and Lisa called her. 
My memories of Granny are of one of  pure strength, compassion, selflessness, inspiration  and dedication to her family. 
I remember how she loved and cared for Lisa as her own and how she was there every step of the way always and beyond. 
I remember her bringing peace and comfort through very tragic and difficult times.
 A beautiful lady and a true rock! 
I feel grateful to have known her. 
My deepest condolences to you all! 
Sarah Mizener 

One of my favorite memories of Mom was when I was a child of about 11 canoeing early in the morning on Lake Simcoe.  It would be so quiet and peaceful with the morning mist rising off the water and the haunting call of the loon.   We would paddle gently so there was only the drip of the water coming off the paddles and the sound of the loons.  Now the golf course I play at has a pair of loons.  Whenever I hear their call, I think of Mom and our quiet time on the lake.

Mom loved music and had a very nice singing voice.  I especially remember her playing piano and belting out the Tom Jones song Delilah at the top of her lungs!

Mom and I did some traveling together.  We spent 2 wks driving around the maritimes.  Mom loved Peggy's Cove, Rita McNeils teahouse, the coal mines and the home of Anne of Green Gables.  We spent a week in BC taking in Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler.   Our last little trip was just a few years ago.  Mom loved the Haliburton area and I was so glad I had the chance to take her there one last time.

Mom taught me a love of music, art, nature walks and dogs.  Mom loved her dog Hailey.  I have a dog named Walter.  Mom never met Walter but she always asked about him and enjoyed hearing stories about him.  Now she is at peace and I am sure she and Hailey are taking long walks once again.  I know she will be with me in spirit everytime I take Walter for a walk.  I'll welcome the company!



Over the last several years i got into the habit of calling mom from the truck as I was out on errands, parts and materials runs, or on the way to the lake. She quickly got used to it and each call would start with "Hi momma" and her response would be "I hear the wheels, where are we off to today?" If she happened to be working on some kind of a word puzzle, we would solve them together. She rarely complained about her various ailments and mostly constant pain; it was far more important to hear where we've been what we've be doing and what the kids are up to and of course "when will you be sending more pictures".  She clearly asked that of all of us because she had about a zillion photo albums. We carted them all to Nolan's and spent about 5 hours going through them. What an amazing chronicle of almost 70 years.
Good bye momma. I'll miss you. Please be patient, it'll be a while until I can meet you for a walk in the woods 

I always loved my visits to Ontario to see my Granny (only wish there were more). The last visit from Alberta I brought my son Cooper, Granny’s great grandchild. It was the first time they met.  I couldn’t believe how proud she was of Cooper right off the bat. She pushed Cooper on her walker through the hallways of her building… Cooper looked equally as proud. They seemed to have an instant bond and it made my heart so happy. 
We (my mom Michele, Cooper and uncle Morgan)  took granny to a big ship park in Hamilton. Cooper was running around on the ship and granny took her walker and followed right on to the ship. She didn’t let her age slow her down from missing out. It was a day I’ll never forget. The weather was beautiful and we all enjoyed a big plate of fries, from one of her favorite diners. 
Makes me happy to know that Granny is up there walking Hailey, and not having to worry about picking up the duty. 




Louise Ritchie was one of the kindest, sweetest people I ever had the pleasure to meet. Although, I knew her as Granny. Even though I wasn't her grandchild she quickly welcomed me as a part of the family. Every time I visited her with Abbey she always made me feel welcomed, loved, and always ended our visit with a hug.

One Easter, she made her grandkids little bags of chocolates and she also thought of me and made me a bag. Even though she wasn't my actual grandma, she always treated me as part of her family. I will miss you Granny.

So sorry to hear of your loss with the passing of Louise. She was the kindest and most generous person I’ve ever met. She graciously gave her time and love to help her children and grandchildren. She will most certainly be missed but never forgotten. Rest in piece Louise.

Granny was a big part of my life since I was born. From helping my brother and I get ready for elementary school, to visiting me in my university house, Granny was always there. 

I have many memories with Granny. When I was a child, she would make us dinners on school nights when my Dad was working, and help with housework. Whenever she would take a break from cleaning, she would say "feet up for five" and lay down on the couch.

One morning, I spilled a glass of milk on the floor. As I passed Granny a towel to clean, I said "Granny you must feel like Cinderella". I don't remember what she said back to me, but I remember her laughing.

Whenever I was home sick, Granny and I would watch The Young and the Restless together. She also enjoyed an animated short called "Doodles" that would play in between cartoons. 

In more recent years, my brother and I would enjoy playing a game of Dominos or Crokinole with Granny. Whenever she made a shot that she didn't like, she would say to herself "Oh Louise!!", which always made me smile. During Covid, we stayed in touch by working together on crosswords and word scramble work sheets over the phone.

Granny will always be in my heart. Every time I see a squirrel, hamster, or chipmunk, I remember how much Granny loved them and their "little hands". She also famously loved sheep and goats. She was such a peaceful person, and taught me to appreciate all lives and creatures - plants, animals, and people alike.

For those who read this far down -- I want you to know that any card you ever sent to my Granny, she kept it. She loved everyone with all her heart. 

I loved my Granny very much, and will continue to fold all of my plastic bags in her honour! :)

OBITUARY

Alice Louise Ritchie

September 17, 1935 – October 23, 2021

Marlatt Funeral Home, Swackhamer Chapel

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