ETHEL MACLEOD RICHARDS -

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ETHEL MACLEOD RICHARDS 1916 - 2006 Peacefully, Ethel passed away on June 16, 2006, at Tuxedo Villa. Ethel is predeceased by her beloved husband, Elswood, and her brothers, Peter and John Robertson. Left to mourn her passing are her daughters, Mary (Lee), Norah (Tibor), Peggy; her grandchildren Aaron (Maureen), Aislinn, Mercy (Will), Curtis, Jesse, John, Ryan (Lynne) and grandchildren Ophelie, Sarah, Avren, Leo and Rosalie. Ethel was extremely proud of her Robertson roots, from Scotland to Prince Edward Island, to Sudbury. Ethel was born in Coniston, Ontario and grew up there and in Coppercliff, near Sudbury. She and her brothers enjoyed exploring the wilderness, spending summers at their camp on Ramsey Lake and snowshoing and trapping in the winter. Ethel attended Bishop Stachan School and Ontario Ladies' College in Toronto but cut her university education short for a stint as a reporter of the Sudbury Star during the war years. Ethel met Elswood in Sudbury, where they married on New Years' Eve, 1941, and began their 62 year union. They moved to Fort Frances, Ontario and from there to Winnipeg. Ethel became involved with the St. Agnes Guild of the Children's Hospital of which she was a member for over 25 years. She was co-founder of the Children's Hospital Book Market and President of the Board of the Children's Hospital from 1964 to 1966. Ethel reached out and touched many lives in the city, always there to lend an ear and offer assistance. Others have noted she was a true friend whether one be age 15, 35 or 85. From family in need to major charitable projects, Ethel gave tirelessly of herself. The focus of Ethel's life was her strong community of friends and family. Ethel's love of the outdoors was matched by Elswood's and they spent many glorious years at Lude camp on Lake of the Woods, where the family gathered each summer. They enjoyed a wonderful and varied social life, ranging from ballroom dancing to bridge to many, many laugh-filled nights with friends and family. Ethel's easy wit and wonderful sense of humor were evident throughout her life, and the laughter that flowed from her characteristically deep voice will be remembered by all. Ethel was a fiercely independent woman whose motto was I can, and I will . She will be sadly missed. Ethel shared most of her life with Elswood and it is difficult to talk about one without the other. They were deeply committed to their long and connected life together. They inspired openness to the world around us, while instilling a sense of compassion and social conscience. They taught that anything was within our grasp if we just worked hard enough. They were very proud of their children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to vocalize that pride. They also took great delight in their great-grandchildren. They knew how to make much of small things and did, as Ethel's father used to say want what you have, not must have what you want . Ethel and Elswood's long life together was an extraordinary gift. The family would like to thank the exemplary staff at Tuxedo Villa for their wonderful care and support. Funeral services will be held at St. George's Crescentwood Anglican Church, Friday, June 23 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2006