Patricia Ritchie
It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Patricia Lynne Ritchie. Patricia passed away at the Canmore Hospital on July 27th, 2023, at the age of 81 after an extremely courageous 19-month battle with cancer. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Pat is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ken, her daughters: Debra (Pat) and Sheralie (Randy), her grandchildren: Brennen (Abbey), Breanne (Kody), Taylor (Braydon), and Stephanie, and her great-grandchildren: Bentley, Blayke, and Kenny. Pat is also survived by her brother, Gordon (Carrol), her sisters-in-law Dorothy and Joyce, her brother-in-law, Bev, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pat was predeceased by her loving parents, Allister and Dolly Moore of Cochrane.
Having spent her entire life in the Bow Valley, Pat had established an amazing circle of friends. She was born in Calgary, but grew up in Seebe and met Ken while attending Grade 10 in Canmore before graduating from high school in Banff. They married in 1963 and lived at Spray Lakes for 14 years before building their dream home in Canmore in 1977. In 2018, they sold their home and moved into the wonderful community of Spring Creek.
Pat will always be remembered for her kindness, her wisdom, and for her love of learning. She was thoughtful and caring, loved nature, and enjoyed being around people. Education was very important to Pat and she attended both the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary, earning her Education degree as well as her Masters. Pat taught for over 36 years, including many years in administration as vice-principal and acting principal of Lawrence Grassi Elementary and Junior High School and then as principal of both Seebe and Elizabeth Rummel schools. Once retired, Pat and Ken enjoyed traveling with their friends and family. In her spare time, Pat enjoyed reading, journaling, gardening, camping, scrapbooking, quilting, and volunteering in the community with Ken. Family meant everything to Pat and she was especially proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rarely would she pass up an opportunity to spend time with them.
Pat felt enormous love and support throughout her cancer journey. Her family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. McPherson, the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Canmore Hospital and the Bow Valley Community Cancer Clinic, Loraine and the Home Care team, Joanne and the Rural Palliative Care Consult Team, and Pat’s caring team of oncologists and surgeons in Calgary. “Dr. Sunny” held a very special place in Pat’s heart.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for Sunday, September 10th at 2:00 at the Malcolm Hotel in Canmore. Opportunities for people to share special memories of Pat will be offered.
Donations are encouraged, in Patricia’s memory, to the Canmore and Area Health Foundation, dedicated to the Bow Valley Community Cancer Clinic to support community-based programs for their patients and caregivers. 1100 Hospital Place, Canmore, Ab T1W 1N2
