ETHEL MAY RITCHIE SWITZER (nee GILLIS)
Ethel quietly slipped away at Hospice, Royal Jubilee Hospital, on October 29, 2007 in
her 85th year. Born in Victoria December 6, 1922 to John Wilson and Jennie (deGrish) Gillis, she was predeceased by first husband Fred J. Ritchie Dec. 14, 1991 and second husband Fred C. Switzer May 28, 2007; brothers Claude, Jack and Herbert Gillis; sisters Kathleen Deaville Carter and Florence Owens Vance. Ethel leaves behind her loving daughter Lynne Ritchie Leard, niece Carol Deaville and family; nephews Dennis (Barbara) Deaville, Alex Deeth and family, Ian (Roberta) Gillis and family, and Mark (Diana) Gillis; brother-in-law Bruce Vance; step-daughters Carol (Norm) Brook, Sheila (Nathan) Senner; step-sons Robert, William and Paul (Judy) Switzer and numerous Switzer grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
At the age of four Ethel began ballet and tap lessons with Florence Clough Dance Studio and excelled, charming many audiences into her early 20’s. She attended St. Ann’s Academy and was the last of the founding members of the Royal Bride Chapter, I.O.D.E., playing an active part in the organization until her death. As a young woman Ethel worked for the B.C. Police and also the R.C.M.P. in Ottawa. For many years she was secretary and dispatcher for the International Union of Operating Engineers, local 115, retiring in December 1983. Ethel was a long time member of the Uplands Golf Club, and in her retirement she also enjoyed travelling, especially cruising.
No service by request. Cremation followed by inurnment at Royal Oak Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations, if desired, may be made to Victoria Hospice Palliative Care Foundation or the charity of one’s choice.
Special thanks to the team at Victoria Hospice, Dr. J. Paul Henry, Dr. D. McClurg and Dr. W. DeMott.
Family and friends are invited to a reception in celebration of Ethel’s life to be held in the Oak Room, Uplands Golf Club, 3300 Cadboro Bay Rd., 3 – 5 p.m. on Monday November 5th , 2007.
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