MARY WHITE HUTCHINSON (RITCHIE)

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MARY WHITE HUTCHINSON (nee RITCHIE) March 21, 1918 - March 30, 2006 On March 30, 2006, Mom passed away peacefully at the Health Sciences Centre with her son by her side. She is survived by her son Don (Lucy), grandchildren Brad and Lisa, daughter-in-law Donna, brothers Tom (Muriel) and Alex, sister Ruth (Lloyd), brother-in-law George, and many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her father and mother Alex and Jessie Ritchie, her husband Frank, son Tom, sisters Jean and Agnes, sister-in-law Betty and brother-in-law Al. Mom was born in Govan, Scotland in 1918 and came to Winnipeg with her parents in 1923, where after a few years in East Kildonan, the family moved to Weston. This was where Mom and Dad met. They were married on June 6, 1942 just prior to Dad being shipped overseas. When Dad returned home in 1945 they too settled in Weston and planted their roots. Mom was a stay at home mom raising two children but in 1958 Dad had a stroke and for the first time Mom had to go out and find a paying job to help support the family. She was lucky enough to land a job as a cashier at Cantor's grocery store where she worked until 1983, when she retired at the age of 65. Right up until late 2005 Mom would stroll once a week to Cantor's. She said it was to pick up groceries, but it was really her way to stay in touch with all of her friends and catch up on the latest news. Mom loved her holiday time, the many summers she spent at Laclu, trips with her family, vacationing in Hawaii but one of her most cherished memories was travelling with her sister Jean for a family reunion in Georgia. Mom was an avid sports fan spending many a night glued to the radio listening to the Jets or Bombers or watching the Blue Jays on TV. She also enjoyed attending Bomber games with Tom and Donna or on a cold wintry night accompanying Don to watch the Jets. One activity Mom enjoyed participating in was five pin bowling. She bowled for over 25 years in the CPR Supervisor's League until she had to give it up in 2000. Mom always had a love for animals and animals had a love for her. Throughout the years she shared her home to many family pets. One of her greatest joys was being a Gramma and spoiling her grandchildren. She couldn't wait to brag about her Brad and Lisa to anyone who'd listen. She always had a story to share with the kids and no matter how many times they heard it before, she always made it worth the listen. Gramma always let the kids know how proud she was of their accomplishments giving encouragement and sharing her wisdom. For the last eight weeks while Mom was in the hospital we all had the opportunity to share some special time. Not once did Mom complain about her situation, she always focused on how everyone else was doing. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff on GA5 at H.S.C. for their compassion and care. Special thanks to Phyllis for visiting every day - you don't know how much it meant to Mom. Funeral services will be held at the Sparling United Church, 1609 Elgin Avenue West on Tuesday, April 4 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 5 Kent St., Winnipeg, MB R2L 1X3. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements. 775-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 01, 2006