Ritchie (Webster) Hazel

With profound sadness and immeasurable love, we announce the passing of our darling Mum, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Hazel Ritchie (née Webster). Hazel passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at Hospice Peterborough, surrounded by the love of her family, at the age of 88.

Hazel was the cherished and devoted wife of the late Kenneth Ritchie, who predeceased her just seven months ago. This year would have marked their 70th wedding anniversary—a remarkable testament to a lifetime of unwavering love, devotion, and partnership. We take comfort in believing they are together once again.

Hazel was the loving mother of Nicola Kaufman and Andrea Shury (Brian). She was the proud and cherished grandmother of James Kaufman (Taylor Yonkman), Robert Kaufman (Jayelin Flint), Lilyanne Shury, and Amelia Shury. She was also the proud and loving great-grandmother of Kylie and Norah Kaufman.

She will be deeply missed by her dear sisters, Marjorie Webster, Beryl Falder, and her brother, Jim Webster, as well as her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Christine and Frank Prescott. Hazel will also be lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and the countless friends whose lives she touched. Hazel is predeceased by siblings, Roland, Bill, Iris and Rose. She spoke of them often with great love and affection, sharing cherished memories.

Born in Salford, England, on November 7, 1937, Hazel enjoyed a childhood filled with stories and adventures alongside her siblings—memories she shared often and treasured throughout her life. She began her working life in the confectionery trade before working at General Electric in England.

In 1973, with remarkable courage and determination, Hazel immigrated to Canada with her husband, Kenneth, and their two young daughters. It was the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter, one that led to lifelong friendships, countless adventures, and a life rich in love and opportunity. She would go on to call England, Canada, and the United States home, yet she never lost her deep affection for her English roots.

Hazel possessed an extraordinary gift in the kitchen. Cooking was her love language, and she delighted in preparing gourmet meals that brought family and friends together around her table. Along with the beautiful music that filled her home, she inspired many to discover that the greatest ingredient in any meal was love. Everyone who entered her home was welcomed with warmth, laughter, and an open heart.

She was known for her fiery spirit, quick wit, unmistakable British sense of humour, and boundless devotion to her family. Hazel had a radiant beauty that remained with her throughout her life, complemented by a smile that could light up any room. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel special, and those fortunate enough to know her often felt an instant connection. Although she never truly realized it herself, she inspired and was deeply loved by so many people. Hazel never measured the success of her life by the places she travelled or the things she owned, but by the people she loved and the memories they created together. Her greatest accomplishment was the family she cherished so completely.

Hazel embraced life wholeheartedly. She generously volunteered in her community, sang in her church choir, enjoyed golfing, and found great joy in gardening. Her meticulously cared-for gardens, always overflowing with beautiful roses, reflected both her patience and her love of beauty. She was an avid traveller who delighted in exploring the world, especially cherishing her voyages aboard the Queen Mary.

She will be fondly remembered by her many dear friends and family in England, Sarnia, Peterborough, her extended family in Saskatchewan and by everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

In keeping with Hazel's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family celebration of her remarkable life will be held at a later date.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Hospice Peterborough. Their kindness, grace, and unwavering support brought immeasurable comfort to Hazel and her family during her final days. Memorial donations to Hospice Peterborough, in Hazel's memory, would be sincerely appreciated.

To honour Hazel's memory, we invite everyone whose life she touched to share a favourite story, prepare a meal for someone you love, tend a garden, or simply raise a glass in her honour.

Hazel's love, laughter, strength, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Always and forever in our hearts.

Rest easy, Mum. We find comfort in knowing you are reunited with Dad, the love of your life. After nearly seventy years of sharing life's joys and sorrows together, we know your journey continues hand in hand, just as it always has. Until we meet again, your love will forever guide us, and your memory will live on in every meal we share, every rose that blooms, and every laugh that echoes around our family table.