Obituary of Mary C. Ritchie

The death of Mrs. Mary C. Ritchie, formerly of Manners Sutton Road, Millidgeville, occurred at the Dr. Snow Nursing Home, Hampton, NB, on January 1, 2005. Widow of the late Honourable Louis McC. Ritchie, Mrs. Ritchie was born in Saint John, a daughter of the late William and Ellen (Ryan) Hogan. At an early age, she moved with her family to Chatham, NB. Following graduation from High School, she attended St. Michael's Secretarial School. She then joined the parliamentary staff of the House of Commons in Ottawa, where she was secretary to George M. McDade, MP for Northumberland and, later, secretary to William M. Ryan, MP for Saint John ? Albert. Following her marriage, she moved to Millidgeville where she resided until recently. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she is survived by three daughters: Mary Lou Cronin of Saint John, Judith Anne Ritchie of Montreal and Margot Russell (David) of Fredericton; six grandchildren: Cathy McDonah (Don), Nashua, NH, Geoffrey Cronin (Kym), Mississauga, ON, Mary Beth Cronin of Georgetown, ON and Moira Dodds (Dominic) of Mississagua, ON, Peter Russell (Melanie) of Pt. McNeill, BC and Kevin Russell (Erin) of Elmsdale, NS; two step-granddaughters, Karen Gilmour Barrett and Joan Gilmour Rosenberg, Toronto; ten great-grandchildren, Liam, Caitlin and Mollie McDonah, Madeline and Jared Dodds , Ainsley Cronin, Emma and Lauren Russell, Colin and Ryan Russell. In addition, Mrs. Ritchie is survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Mrs. Ritchie is also survived by her special friend, Muriel Morris of Chatham, NB. In addition to her husband, she was pre-deceased by two daughters, Eugenie and Margaret and three brothers, Jack, William and Arthur. Active in many clubs and organizations, Mrs. Ritchie was a strong supporter of the arts and cultural community, as well as the St. Vincent's Alumnae Association and the CWL. Many years ago Mrs. Ritchie was made an honourary member of the St. Vincent's Alumnae Association in recognition of her strong and constant support of that organization. Resting at Fitzpatrick's Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo St., with visiting on Monday from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday morning at 12:00 o'clock. Interment will take place in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Brunswick Symphony Inc., the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Atlantic Division) or the charity of the donor's choice, would be appreciated.