It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Susie Joanna “Joan” Ridler (nee Shortill), our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who passed away on Monday, July 12, 2010.
Joan was born in Ballinafad, Ontario of Irish decent on December 5, 1922. She graduated from McMaster University and became a primary teacher. She married Kenneth B. Ridler on August 23, 1947. Their loving spirit was expanded when the couple had two daughters, Judy and Janice. The family moved to Thunder Bay in 1957 where Joan supported Ken in his business ventures as a partner of Vulcan Machinery. Joan, with family, friends and relatives spent many summers at their camp at Cloud Lake fishing, playing euchre and water-skiing.
Joan and Ken were loyal, long-standing members of First Church United.
Joan is survived by her daughters Judy (Tom) Cook of Calgary; Janice (Murray) Wing; her five beloved grandchildren Jacqueline, Lisa (Brian), Richard, Shannon (Mike), Sheldon (Jacqueline) and great-grandson Jackson. She will also be missed by her sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by by her husband Kenneth who passed away May 25, 2001; her parents Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wellington Shortill and her brother Floyd Shortill.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, health care aides and all the wonderful staff at Pioneer Ridge Home for their kind, caring attention in providing Joan with her needs and comfort.
Funeral services for the late Mrs. Joan Ridler will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James with the Rev. Jan Stevenson officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service time. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice.
