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CARITA MARLENE DITCHFIELD
Date of Passing: Jul 11, 2015
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CARITA MARLENE DITCHFIELD (THORARINSON) Peacefully, and surrounded by family, Carita Ditchfield passed away July 11, 2015 at Riverview Health Centre, at the age of 77. She leaves behind son Glen, daughter-in-law Helen Cameron and grandson Cameron; son Todd and daughter-in-law Andrea; daughter Karen and grandchildren Ben and Amanda Wiecek; siblings Sara Skinner, Roxanne Ireland and Gene Thorarinson; in-laws Jack and Shirley Muir and Vera Ditchfield; very special friends Linda McLean and Barrie Lough and finally, friends and family too numerous to mention. She was predeceased by her husband Doug, parents Alexander and Doris (Gislason) Thorarinson, and siblings Alexander Thorarinson and Maxine Johnson. Carita was born and raised in Winnipegosis, and while life was not always easy, she emerged with many colourful tales and a strength of character that was evident throughout her life. As a teen she moved to Winnipeg in time to experience the great flood in 1950. She began her career working in offices such as Great West Life and Bristol Aerospace before joining Revenue Canada where she retired in 2002 after a lengthy career. It was in Winnipeg where she met and married Doug before moving to Stony Mountain into the house they built with their own hands. There, they made many friends while raising their three children (and a variety of spoiled pets) and pitching in with the community's organizations when needed. Carita spent many hours at the local hockey rink and served several years on the board of the figure skating club. She enjoyed several artistic hobbies, but will be best remembered for her cross-stitch and every new member of her large, extended family could count on their very own baby announcement. Carita was also known for sharing the goods from her bountiful garden and took extra joy in bragging about eating the first tomatoes of the season. Family was of utmost importance to Carita and feeding them came a close second. Some of her happiest times were gathering friends and family for any occasion and the dinner table was not the only thing stuffed after she had been to work in the kitchen. Carita also enjoyed travelling, and many summers were spent visiting family and exploring parks in the family camper. She also had great times visiting Hawaii, Brazil and New Orleans. A memorial service to celebrate Carita's life will be held 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17 at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to the Winnipeg Animal Services Agency, Before the Bridge Senior K9 Rescue or Craig Street Cats. The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the CancerCare staff at Selkirk and Victoria hospitals, Doctors Kim, Lindenschmidt, Qureshi and Krahn, and especially to the 3W staff on the palliative care ward at Riverview Health Centre who gave Carita and her family such amazing care and support during difficult times.
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 16, 2015
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Just found out my cousin Carita died. I haven't seen her for many years. since the family get together in Sherwood Park with my mom & dad, Nanna & Jack Oldfield.Our families lived together in Charleswood when I was in grade 8 & she in grade 7. Sorry to hear of her passing. Beverly Hayes. - Posted by: Beverly Hayes, nee Oldfield (cousin) on: Aug 12, 2015
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I worked with Carita at Bristol Aircraft, back in the 1950's I really enjoyed Carita's sense of humour and between us we often had the whole office laughing, we've kept in touch in recent years by email. The world will surely miss Carita, I know I will. Dave Christie - Posted by: Dave Christie (co-worker, friend) on: Jul 17, 2015
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I started at Taxation in Data Conversion after my children were older. Carita was my supervisor for a few of those terms. We were peers a number of years later. I remember Carita talking about her children and grand children. She was very proud of everyone. I have fond memories regarding her stories about the garden, new flowers that had to be made room for, renovations on the house and of course her auction stories, which often resulted in many new purchases. - Posted by: Sharon Asher ((Co-Worker at Taxation)) on: Jul 17, 2015
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I started in Data Conversion in 1984. There were several years that Carita was my supervisor, later we became peers. She was always such fun, and the stories she had. After she retired the gang went out for dinner a few times and a group of us shared emails. I remember being brought to tears with laughter at her retirement. Condolences to Carita's family, she will be missed. - Posted by: Tahirih Roy (Co-worker at Taxation) on: Jul 16, 2015
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My friendship with Carita started in 1976 at the Taxation Office whenn it first opened. I worked with Carita until her retirement everyday was a joy for us being called the Musketeers of Data Conversion, I was the baby of the group and Carita ended up more like a mother figure to me with her caring and advice over the years. Many happy memories that will stay with me for life I loved her dearly and she was always a comfort to me during our working careers. I will miss her deeply. - Posted by: Madeleine McNeil (Voelkel) (Co-Worker at Taxation) on: Jul 16, 2015