It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Frances Ritchie of Edmonton, Alberta. She passed away at home on February 24, 2016 while surrounded by her family and having lived a full and wonderful life of 89 years.
Frances was born in Kobylin, Poland on March 7, 1926 to parents, Andrew & Marianna Lybacki. As an infant, she immigrated to Canada. Her family grew with six siblings whom she treasured. When she was 15, she and her family moved to Bellevue, AB and settled into small-town life. Frances enjoyed climbing the mountains, skating, curling, ball games, swimming in Henderson Lake and the occasional night at the movies. She gained employment at Hasom’s Pharmacy as a clerk, soda jerk and assistant to the pharmacist.
Frances captured the heart of a dashing young military man, Donald Manchul, and they pledged their love with marriage on November 2, 1943. After the honeymoon, Donald continued his term of military service overseas but never survived the war. Frances mourned intensely for quite some time until love mended her broken heart with the affections of a kind and caring gentleman, Charles Ritchie, and after their marriage, they were further blessed with a family of their own. Through many trials and accomplishments, Frances learned many important lessons in life: an education is invaluable and learning should never stop, keep what you treasure, respect the environment, help those in need, don’t spend more than you have and most of all, keep your family together with unconditional love and respect. By her own admission, she had a good life with no complaints.
She is survived by her children, Andrew and Dawn; her grandchildren, Steven, Julia, Emily, Thomas, Michael and Elizabeth; her siblings, Helen, Bobby, Eileen and Donna; and her numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Donald Manchul, second husband, Charles Ritchie; her parents, Andrew and Marianna Lybacki; and her siblings, Johnny Lybacki and Alice Montalbetti; her precious daughter, Linda; niece, Karen Ritchie and nephews, Calvin Lybacki and Garth Salus.
The Funeral Service was held on Monday, February 29, 2016 at Fantin's Funeral Chapel in Blairmore and interment followed in the Passburg Union Cemetery.
Donations in memory may be directed towards the Wilderness Committee, (46 E. 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5T 1J4) or to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, (350 Michael Cowpland Dr. Kanata, ON, K2M 2W1). Condolences may be registered at [email protected]. A special thank you to the caregivers at the Royal Alexander Hospital, the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and the Edmonton Southeast Palliative Homecare Team and all those who supported the family through our journey especially Dr. Trent Dusang for the compassionate care he gave our Mom.
Fantin's Funeral Chapel assisting the family. (403) 562-8555.