Obituary of Blanche WIDDIS

WIDDIS, Hazel “Blanche” Alvina (nee Ritchie)

October 12, 1930 – May 15, 2023

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our dear mother, grandmother, and great grandmother at Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville, May 15, 2023 in her 93^rd year. Predeceased by her loving husband of almost 61 years Robert (Bob) Widdis (2010). Survived by their daughters Heather Ritchie (Murray), Betty Lou Acchione, and Cathy Barr (Robert). Grandmother of Kurt (Patricia), Travis (Regina), Logan (Nicole), Brock (Ruth), and Chet Ritchie, Theresa Parkinson, Nick (Dori) and Joanna Acchione, and Conor Barr. Great-grandmother of eleven. Also survived by her sister Betty Cunningham, sisters-in-law Mary Ritchie and Helen Widdis, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her son-in-law Mario Acchione (2001) and her grandsons Michael Acchione (1997) and Liam Barr (2022). Also predeceased by her parents Logan Ritchie and Alice Ross, siblings Ivy Ritchie (Ivan, Bart Doyle), Isaac Ritchie (Mary), Ileen Reilly (Keith), Stewart Ritchie, Jean Giles (Frank), and brother-in- law Emerson Cunningham.

Blanche was born October 12, 1930 on a farm in the Township of West Luther and spent her early years there. She moved many times during her life. She lived in the Township of East Luther, south of Monticello, during her late childhood and teenage years. On September 24, 1949, she married our father and they started life together on the 10^th Concession of East Luther Township. During their married life, they moved three times in East Luther, then to Grand Valley, then to Cambridge (where they lived for 32 years). They returned to Grand Valley in 2005. Blanche’s life revolved around her family. She was a stay-at-home Mom, working outside the home only for a short period. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren in sports, dance recitals, etc. In the last few years, she spent most of her time at home where she enjoyed watching television, listening to country music, and visiting with family.

The family will receive relatives and friends at In Memoriam Funeral Service Inc. 28 Main Street North, Grand Valley, ON on Wednesday May 24, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be held in the chapel at the same location on Thursday May 25, 2023 at 1:00 p.m., with interment at Grand Valley Union Cemetery. Refreshments will be served at the funeral home following the interment. 

As expressions of sympathy, the family would appreciate donations to the Monticello United Church Memorial Fund, Trinity United Church, or a charity of your choice. 

Donations to Monticello United Church Memorial Fund please made cheque payable to Monticello United Church Memorial Fund - c/o Hugo Rentsch, 074605 Sideroad 24-25, Grand Valley, ON L9W 0J5

Online condolences may be made at www.imfunerals.com

In Memorial Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Widdis Family.