Mildred S. Ritchie

Born in Stamford, CT, she was the daughter of Antonio & Jennie Stabile. She graduated from St. John's Parochial School, Burdick Junior High, Stamford High School in the Class of 1941 and Shorts Secretarial School. She was employed at Andrews Industries, Blickensderfer Manufacturing Company, Pitney Bowes and The Stamford Hospital working as an Administrative Assistant in the Dietary Department for 33 years.

Mildred was a proud and active lifelong citizen of Stamford who was always ready to step up to a challenge. She was not one to sit by when issues arose. She made numerous and impactful contributions to the Stamford Community throughout the years. They include serving as a Board of Representative for the 10th District and the Chair of the Republican Town Committee. She was also a member of the Stamford Garden Club and the Stamford Beautification Committee. She was responsible for the painting of most of the electric boxes around Stamford. She was also the Past President of the Stamford Woman's Club, the Stamford Emblem Club, the Hubbard Heights Association and The Stamford Hospital Employee Credit Union.

She was a devoted member of St Leo Roman Catholic Parish, served as a Past President of the St. Leo Senior Group and received the St. Leo St. Augustine Medal of Service for Volunteer Service in 2006.

Mom was an avid reader, enjoyed doing word search puzzles and loved watching the many birds in her back yard. Most of all, Mom enjoyed traveling and cherished our family vacations together. Her favorite place to travel to was Myrtle Beach, SC. She could be found sitting on the sand making a sandcastle or at the pool with a Pina Colada in her hand and a huge smile on her face. It was truly her happy place.

Mom will be remembered as a wonderful, devoted, loving wife, mother and Nonna to her 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Most of our family memories surround food and holidays. They include Sunday family dinners around the dining room table enjoying Nonna's macaroni, meatballs and "gravy". Christmas Eve was Mom's favorite holiday when we would all gather for mass, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, present opening and family. The more the merrier was Mom's motto. Mom also enjoyed her mini Bud Lights or an Absolute and Tonic.

Mildred was an important woman in the many lives she touched. She will be remembered as a vibrant, strong-minded, loving friend who never said, "No". The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mom's wonderful caregiver Francesca with whom she formed a strong bond of respect, friendship and love. We would also like to thank Gabe and his team at Evergreen Daytime Senior Daycare where Mom enjoyed many hours with her friends.

Mom had a beautiful, wonderful, long life and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving daughters Jeanne R. Lauer (Richard), Patricia R. Kellogg (Matthew), and daughter-in-law Cheryl A. Ritchie (George), her devoted grandchildren: Jennifer (Eric), Jonathan (Lisa), Joseph (Kayla), Sara, Andrew (Katrina), Alison (Dan), Anthony (Katie), Douglas (Abby) and Megan. Also by her treasured great-grandchildren: Vanessa, George, and Davis Ritchie, Millie Morson, Benjamin, Charlotte, Olivia, John and Chloe Kellogg and Charlie Greenberg. Mildred also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her greatly.

She was predeceased by the love of her life George (Buddy) H. Ritchie, her beloved son George A. Ritchie, her parents Antonio and Jennie Stabile and her brother Sonny Stabile.

Friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, February 19th from 3-7 at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St, Stamford, CT. A funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, February 20th at 10:00 at St. Leo Parish, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford, CT. Interment to immediately follow at St John's Cemetery, 25 Camp Avenue, Darien, CT.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to The American Heart Association; 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231 or The American Cancer Society; P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.