“Long before we’re ready we sadly say goodbye, but there are those in a far more beautiful place who are whispering welcome home.”
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Connie McRitchie.
Connie was born Dec. 27, 1956 in Atikokan, Ont. to the late Donald and Lucille Patterson.
On Nov. 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, Connie’s strength and determination remained strong, however, her body grew weak. 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; stepfather, James Kennedy; mother- and father-in-law, Maxine and Clifford McRitchie; special family, Bridie and Ray Dolk; and brothers-in-law, 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; and her daughter-in-law, Aubrey Meadows, who 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 also had seven sisters-in-laws (she referred to them as her seven angels), Marlene McGauley, Cheryl Alexiuk, Donna Ferris, Audrey LaFreniere, Valerie Verschare, Diana Wilson, and Debbie Rogoza, who all welcomed Connie to the family and loved her unconditionally as the eighth sister.
Connie had a special friendship and sisterhood with Trudy Christian, the love they shared goes beyond words. The Dolks and McRitchies, meanwhile, grew up as more than just neighbours, they were family.
From Gramma Dolk’s apple pies to family barbecues with Connie in her apron and chef’s 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 Lakotos, whom she loved like a sister and was proud to call her friend. Joan was her rock and the times they spent together made her smile and laugh, and filled her with happiness, strength, and hope.
She also loved spending time with her second family, the Fraczkiewiczs—Bev and Bogdan, Marjan and Helena. The McRitchies and Fraczkiewiczs 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, whether it was KD and hotdogs, McDonald’s runs, or especially her baking that only “Connie Crocker” could master.
So many children grew up in the McRitchie household and always will 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 all will celebrate her life and follow her wishes and be together to continue to smile, laugh, and make memories.
The 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.
You will be missed by many—our hearts ache. Rest in peace until we meet again.
In memoriam donations may be made to either the Canadian Cancer Society or the Tamarack House in Thunder Bay c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
CONNIE McRITCHIE
