Norma June Ritchie (nee Monks)
Norma Ritchie died November 5, 2022.
Born in 1945, Norma was one of eight children, (Bruce, Doug, Doris, Bob, Ron, Marion and Joyce) to Gord and Sara Monks. Her childhood was spent on the farm in Malton where she fondly reminisced about sleeping in one bed with her three sisters and riding her pony.
Norma’s teenage years found herself in Alliston where the family moved to continue dairy farming. She made many great friends, proudly played hockey in one of the first all girl’s hockey leagues and met the love of her life, Bill Ritchie. They married and had two children, Tracy (Tom Jackson) and Ryan (Jennifer) whom they also raised in Alliston.
A jack of all trades, whether driving a potato truck or working at the LCBO and post office, Norma never shied away from hard work both inside and outside of the house. While excelling at telling dirty jokes to friends or customers, Norma was not afraid to speak her mind or curse and flip the bird at drivers who were in the wrong. And while this might have embarrassed family members, she made up by being an ear to those who needed her.
Norma and Bill spent their retirement years on their own “Golden Pond” on Orr lake in Elmvale. This quickly became the hub for family gatherings, sleepovers, euchre and Norma’s famous spaghetti dinners.
Traveling later on in life with her girlfriends was something she loved to do as they laughed their way through Mexico and Hawaii filling their time with drinks and stories. Norma’s passion for scrapbooking created cherished memories of vacations, family events and family including her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She will be remembered for her penchant for sweets and desserts as well as her extreme pickiness when it came to foods. But most of all, she will be remembered for her role as a proud grandmother to Sarah, Whitney, Clinton, Greyson and Bellamy and great grandmother (GG) to Brayden and Garrett. From attending their sporting events to posting their pictures and accomplishments around her home, Norma could be found constantly boasting to all who would listen about her family. And of course to the untrained eyes of unaware parents, Granny was often sneaking bags of candies and treats to grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Norma will be missed and remembered fondly especially for her Werther’s candy dish and her constant brown cows.
Cremation has taken place. A private family service to follow. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice. To leave expressions of sympathy or memories of Norma, please visit www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Service
Private Family Graveside Service
Sheila Bickerton nee Wilson says
Sorry to read of Norma’s passing in the Herald. My condolence to her family .
Tracy Jackson says
Thank you Sheila
Betty Sutherland, Todd Monks, Carrie Price says
Sending our sincere condolences to all of Norma’s family
Tracy Jackson says
Thank you Betty
Jackie Calhoun says
Sending my deepest condolences to you Tracy, Ryan and families. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Xo
Tracy jackson says
Thank you Jackie
Barbara Ann Gauley says
My sincere sympathy to Norma’s entire family.
Tracy Jackson says
Thank you Barbara Ann
Cindy Cook says
I’m very sorry to lose my aunt Norma. I lost my mum, (her sister, Doris) seven years ago. Norma’s hugs felt just like mom’s. The twinkle in her eye and readiness to laugh was one of my favourite things about her. I send my heartfelt condolences to Tracy and all the family. Hugs.
Tracy jackson says
Thank you Cindy
Gail King says
Tracy, Ryan and families: My deepest sympathy to you all. I remember well the games of euchre played over the years and the shared laughter and fierce looks when she lost a trick. She not only drank brown cows, at one time she made the kaluha that went into them. Norma was a wonderful friend and the world is a sadder place without her.
Tracy Jackson says
Thank you Gail
Sharon Bell former DOW says
I remember visiting her in her room and seeing the paintings she was hard at work doing. A lovely private elegant woman. Rest in peace dear Norma. ❤️
Tracy jackson says
Thank you Sharon. She did love painting.
Linda Beckstead says
Norma was such a great friend. She always was such a good listener. Our fun adventures will live on in our memory. Sadly Missed,
Linda Beckstead
Tracy jackson says
Thank you Linda. Mom loved her adventures with you.
Alicia M PSW@ Waterford says
Norma was the light of my day! Every morning, I would start my day at her room. Her smile and warm embrace would give me the strength to begin my long list of things to do before breakfast. The dining room however, was the place of excitement. As I ran to and from, doing my escorts… she would say witty things as I re-entered. “Watch out, if you keep running your legs will fall off”… that one I heard almost daily! We often called her and Dot .. partners in crime. My Norma … had the best heart! Recently, being on sick leave, she has sent me two cards.. each one telling me she thinks about me every day and misses me like crazy! I will forever carry a piece of her in my heart! Sending all my love to family and friends!
Tracy Jackson says
Thank you for your kind words Alicia. Mom talked about you often and said that you were the best. She shared with me her concerns about you being off sick. She thought you were a sweetie.
Marilyn and Bruce Glassford says
Sincere sympathy to Tracy, Ryan and their respective families.May the many great memories of Norma help you through these difficult and sad days. RIP.
Tracy Jackson says
Thank you Bruce and Marilyn
Mac and Mary Hetherington says
Tracey, Ryan and Families
Sending hugs and prayers to all of you. We could write a book about our escapades and adventures over the years but some are best left unspoken . We will remember Norma with a smile and she will be forever a part of our precious memories.
Tracy jackson says
Thank you Mac and Mary. There are just so many stories.
Jane & Stoney Plets says
Tracy, Ryan and Monks Families: Deepest sympathy to each of you. Your description fitted Norma to a “T”. Whenever, we had the opportunity to visit “home”, she made us feel most welcome. Shared many good times, cruises around the lake, also, have the Memory Book, she gave us. What a TREASURE. Recently, we shared phone calls; always including some laughter.
Norma had a deep love and appreciation for her children. Her “art work” will be a special treasure.
We can each treasure a SPECIAL MEMORY.
Sincerely,
Jane & Stoney
Tracy Jackson says
Thank you aunt Jane and Uncle Stoney. She will be missed.