Alice Richings (Putnam)
November 6, 2012
Peacefully on Tuesday, November 6th, 2012 in her 82nd year. Daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Ernest and Violet Putnam. Predeceased by her husband Donald Richings, sisters Elizabeth Brown and Jeannette Aziz, and dear cousin Catherine Andrewes. Loving Mother of Raymond, and Margaret; special Mother to Bernard. Survived and remembered by her sister-in-law Marj Richings, her nieces, and nephews; especially Kyle Brown (Margo), cousins, and forever friends Elizabeth Fowler and Barbara Whittaker. Alice contributed very actively to her community, Church, and Scouts–London; Past Diocesan President, Cub Master at the Cathedral 9th Cub Pack and St. George’s 6th Cub Pack; District Commissioner-Northwest Division-London. Honoured by Scouts Canada for 60 years of service. Recipient of the Long Service Medal, the Certificate of Good Service, the Silver Acorn Medal for continuous distinguished service, and the B-P Guild of Canada Recognition Award. Her life energy will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Alice retired after working for many years with the London PUC. Visitation will be held on Friday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. Funeral Service will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 227 Wharncliffe Road North, on Saturday, November 10th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Reception will follow service in the Parish Hall. Interment private. Sincere gratitude to the Staff at Grand Wood Park, Dr. Jennie Wells –Parkwood Hospital, the Palliative Care Support by Angels, CCAC and London VON team: your caring and support was extraordinary and will never be forgotten. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to The Center for Alzheimer Disease & Cognitive Vitality- Parkwood Hospital, 801 Commissioners Rd. E., London, Ontario N6C 5J1 or the Ray Bryson Building Fund, Scouts London, 531 Windermere Rd., London, ON N5X 2T1.
Leave a tribute for Alice Richings (Putnam)
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I was saddened to see that my bookstore friend (1980) had passed away. I have many happy memories of working with Alice at the New Life Book Store, lunching together, going on short trips to visit other friends, and especially much shared laughter. Her kindness will always be fondly remembered by myself and my family.
Our hearts go out to u both in this sad time. It was nice to have met your mom on a few occasions and love listening to all your heartwarming memories about her. Take care, lots of love Mark & Rose xoxoxoxoxo
With heartfelt sympathy and understanding thoughts in this time of sadness. Raymond & Bernard may your memories be of comfort. Stef & San
Dear Raymond and Family, At this difficult time I send you my deepest sympathy and the promise of my prayers. Know that all of us at Salt and Light Television are with you in prayers and spirit. The way that you treated your mother these past years of her declining health and suffering was an example to each of us. You are a beloved son who loved your mother. May the Lord welcome her into Paradise and reward you abundantly for all you were and did for you mother, Alice. May she rest in peace. Remember that she has gone no further than to God, and we know that God is very near to us. With deepest sympathy and prayers, Fr. Thomas Rosica, C.S.B., CEO, Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation Canada
So sorry for your loss my friend. Thank God you are blessed with having Bernard's support to help you through this. One's Mother is a treasure which is usually never fully appreciated in the moment and, yet when gone, can never be replaced. Treasure your memories, remember and speak of her often She gave you life, keep her alive in your heart and your actions. Know that your friends and especially your 'extended family' grieve with and support you. Should you ever need another shoulder, please let me know.
"You are never really gone until the last person that remembers you is", is an old Irish saying that tells not just how to remember but how to live. That is how Aunt Alice lived her life and how I love her. We will always have memories of the singing, the companionship, the humour, the old stories told, retold and improved over time, and her deep underlying respect and affection to carry us forward. She has Gone Home. I will keep her for a time and Freddie for a time after that. In my dreams I'm going back to Gilwell.
"You are never really gone until the last person that remembers you is", is an old Irish saying that tells not just how to remember but how to live. That is how Aunt Alice lived her life and how I love her. We will always have memories of the singing, the companionship, the humour, the old stories told, retold and improved over time, and her deep underlying respect and affection to carry us forward. She has Gone Home. I will keep her for a time and Freddie for a time after that. In my dreams I'm going back to Gilwell.
Raymond: Although we never had the pleasure of meeting your mom, we do share the sorrow you must be feeling. We're sorry that we are not able to be close to you at this important moment in your life but rest assured that you are uppermost in our mind and we hope to be able to give you a big hug soon.
My Dear Raymond, Ken and I would like to offer our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I truly understand how you are feeling at this time but want you to know I'm here for you. Sending you our love and will be in touch real soon!
Dear friends and family, Thank you for your kind notes of sympathy, prayers, and support. Mom was truly an inspiration to us; her zest for life, passion and enthusiasm, friendship and love will be sorely missed. Sincerely, Raymond
(Donated to Parkwood Hospital-Center for Alzheimer Disease & Cognitive Vitality)
(Donated to Parkwood Hospital-Center for Alzheimer Disease & Cognitive Vitality)
(Donated to Ray Bryson Building Fund, Scouts London)
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On behalf of our family, Steve, Jaime and our sons Ryan, Wyatt and Seger and grandson Owen Brown we share our deepest condolances with Raymond and all of Alice's extended family. My Aunt Alice was a force of nature. The youngest of the three Putnam sisters, she was an early inspiration for us with her passion and enthusiasm. I recall the excitement when she found and married her soulmate Don Ritchings. Together they were two of the kindest, unique and most generous people and touched so many lives with their love and service to others, especially through Scouting. Alice was Akela to my brother Kyle and I and she would be pleased to know that her great nephew Seger continues the family tradition as a Rover here in Calgary. Please celebrate her life with the same passion she shared with all of us. We are all truly blessed to have known and loved her.
~ Stephen Brown, Jaime Wohl and Family