Judith Ritchie

A Life of Giving . . . A Tribute To Our Mom Judith Ritchie (Nee Kelly) This morning our mom passed away. She bravely fought Alzheimer’s for years and through it all she remained brave, hopeful and strong. Anyone who knew her said she could light up a room with her huge, bubbly personality like no other. There is also nothing small about her legacy or the impact she had on others. Looking back mom always had a career involving matters of the heart. Mom worked as a paramedic for Ingalls Memorial Hospital and was also a part of the Cardiology Department at Olympia Fields Osteopathic Medical Center. She became a foster parent for Evangelical Child and Family Agency and for decades she opened her home to help care for babies and teens in need of a loving home. As kids we can remember coming home from school and often seeing a sweet, frightened child at the door waiting to greet us. We quickly learned that this beautiful child was about to become part of our family for several months until they were adopted. Mom genuinely loved them all. This past week we’ve received numerous phone calls from the children (now adults with their own families) that she cared for, telling us with heavy hearts, what she meant to them and that they were praying for her. As her daughters, we couldn’t be more proud. Thank you, mom, for teaching us to be the light that helps others see. Thank you for teaching us to be compassionate people and to always see the good in others. Thank you for telling us that you loved us everyday. Even in your final days, when it was barely audible, you told us that you loved us. Thank you for always listening to and hearing all our hearts so clearly. You will be missed beyond words and when we chat with you, and tell you that we love you more, we know in our hearts you are telling us that it simply isn’t possible. Yes, mom . . . it’s possible.