Patricia G. Ritchie

Patricia was born in New London, CT, in 1929, and raised there and in Newark, NJ. Throughout her adult life, she moved with her husband many times, but settled in her beloved Pine Beach, NJ. Patricia was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Walter, her sister Bette, her parents (Frances and Lawrence Grimes), and numerous other friends and family. She is survived by her children, Patrick, Walter (Shelli), Scott (Linda), and Adele Berardi (Rob); her aunt, Marie Nott, her brother, John Grimes, her sister-in-law, Adele, her grandchildren, Shannon, Holli-lyn, Carolyn, Jennifer, Jordan, McCoy, Zachary, Tucker, Molly, and RJ; her great-grandchildren, Noah and Hunter, numerous nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.

Arrangements are being handled by Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home. The wake will be held at Anderson & Campbell, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753, on Thursday, March 7, from 3 to 7 pm. The funeral Mass is the following morning at St. Barnabas RC Church at 9:30 AM at 33 Woodland Rd. in Bayville, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that attendees bring toiletries to the wake or funeral. They will be distributed to the needy elderly of our community, especially those whose families struggle to provide such items. Our family also wishes to express our immense gratitude to Complete Care at Bey Lea for the loving and impeccable attention they showed Patricia during her last five years.

Before getting sick, Patricia was an active member of St. Barnabas RC Church. She volunteered with Caregivers of NJ and visited the infirmed in Crystal Lake Nursing Home. In her younger years she was a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader, a cheerleading coach, a school library volunteer, the best PB&J maker and yet managed to attend all of her kids’ activities, get the laundry done, tell her children every day that she loved them and kissed each goodnight.

It’s hard to put into words how magnificent a woman Patricia was and the numerous ways she manifested God’s love for her and through her. In all she did, whether as a wife, mother, daughter-in-law, grandmother, friend, mentor or anonymous benefactor, she sought to find the good in everyone, and created unique and generous ways of bringing wisdom and joy to the world. Of all her special involvements, she realized the greatest solace and expression in her women’s support group, which provided her the opportunity to mentor and befriend women of all ages and backgrounds. She never stopped giving to people throughout her entire life and in spite of all its ups and downs, she wanted the world to know that she felt her life was wonderful.

A great light went out, but a glow remains that will brighten and warm all who knew this wonderful soul.