Margaret Evelyn Ritchie

Margaret was born July 26, 1933 in Calgary, Alberta to Reta and Alfred Gordon, a little sister to Dorothy. She grew up in Calgary and Red Deer, Alberta, spending many summers in Ontario with extended family as well as in Banff, Alberta where her father was the summer Station Master for the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Margaret graduated from Crescent Heights High School in 1950, worked for a year at Alberta Government Telephones until she was old enough to begin her nursing program at the Calgary General Hospital, graduating in 1954. This was a special year indeed. On Christmas Eve 1954, Margaret met Gordon at a classmate’s party. They married October 19, 1956.

Marg lived life to its fullest. An optimist through and through, she will be remembered for her boundless energy and playful spirit. She was caring and compassionate, selfless of her time and energy. Whether in Calgary or California, New York or Connecticut, she made lasting friendships and always found ways to be involved in her community. Marg was an enthusiastic volunteer with the Calgary General Hospital Alumnae (especially the class of ’54), the Calgary YMCA, Girl Guides and her church.

As Marg’s disease progressed, her family surrounded her with the same unconditional love she had for them. Margaret was a gracious and loving wife, mother, nana, great nana, sister and friend. She is lovingly remembered and sadly missed by Gordon, her husband of 64 years, their three children, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Her legacy will continue in the lives of Donna Jones (Earl), grandchildren Katie Howes (Josh), Mark Jones (Jen Bell) and Peter Jones (Nicole Bewski); Lynn Martin (Darren) and grandchildren Laura Martin, Eric Martin and Neil Martin (Malorie); and Bob Ritchie (Morag) and grandchildren Meghan Ritchie and Owen Ritchie. Her love will also live on in the lives of her great grandchildren Makenna Martin, Becca Howes, James Howes, Aiden Ritchie and Daniella Ritchie.

Margaret is survived by her sister Dorothy Russell and extended families and was predeceased by her parents Reta and Alfred Gordon.

Margaret’s love extended beyond her immediate family. Ingvild Aas, an exchange student from Norway held a special spot in her heart. Almost 40 years later, Ingvild and her family remain a special part of the Ritchie clan.

We are grateful for the care and compassion Margaret received at Edgemont Revera and Evanston Grande Supportive Living facilities and from her family physician Dr. Wendy Tink.

While we will miss her dearly, she is now set free and will look down on us with a clear mind and her beautiful smile.

‘I said I love you, and that’s forever, and this I promise from the heart. I could not love you any better. I love you just the way you are.’ (Billy Joel)

If individuals so desire, in lieu of flowers, they may wish to make a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary at 800 – 7015 MacLeod Trail SW, Calgary AB T2H 2K6, or a charity of their choice.