Dear Riddick family,
I want to offer my condolences for Ilse’s passing.  Ilse and I worked together for three years, and I was really looking forward to working with her again; it is so unfortunate that she is no longer with us.  I will miss her dearly as she was a great mentor, leader, and friend.  Ilse was a very kind and gentle person who always was available for me and provided great advice.  Words can’t express how saddened I am.  I will cherish our memories forever.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.  


Sending my most heartfelt condolences to Ilse's family.  She was such a great lady. Ilse was my boss back in 2005/2006 at George Mason. Wow, she really was super-smart and I learned a lot from our time together. We had kept in touch over the years and ended up working for Fairfax County, where we were in different departments but still connected.  Mostly I'll always remember her for her many kindnesses, her infectious smile and great laugh.  She is surely gone too soon and will be greatly missed. Until we meet again my friend, may you rest in peace.

I feel fortunate that I was able to work with Ilse over this last year. I joined LDS in March 2020 just days after the Herrity Building closed. So Ilse and I worked together virtually during the pandemic. (I am the public information officer at LDS.) Even though everything during that time was urgent, and Ilse's position was in the center of a lot of constantly changing HR policies, she was also a positive and cheerful colleague which helped to make me feel calmer during the crises.  She is greatly missed. My condolences to her family and friends. Many thanks for the lovely obituary that allowed me to learn even more about Ilse. (Attached is a photo from an employee of the month presentation.)

In the four years we worked together, Ilse always greeted me with a smile, which is especially remarkable because she helped me with the toughest personnel issues. Alexis, Katie, Matthew, Dana Marie, Roy, and Dakota, Ilse talked about you all a lot and the joy you brought her. I remember best her stories about the adventures you all had together like hoverboarding (or skateboarding?) in the house, Christmas cookies, and the kittens breaking crystal vases in the night. Ilse brought her positive energy and good will wherever she went. I will miss that and wish you the deepest sympathies.

While I didn't get to know Ilse very well as we rarely worked together, I know of her kindness. Last year my father spent 6 months dying and I had to make multiple trips back and forth from Virginia to Michigan to care for him. Ilse helped me navigate the FMLA leave process with ease and comfort. She helped make those terrible trips more bearable with a peace of mind about my work life. I will always be grateful to her for that.

I had the privilege to work with Ilse when I was at George Mason - she was a wonderful person. I hope all the good memories her family have will bring them comfort.

I was so sorry to hear today of the passing of Ilse.  I have known her since 1998, when we became colleagues at George Mason University.  We remained friends after she left there to go to the County, and was responsible for me joining the County as well.

My her memory be a blessing to her family and friends.  I will miss you Ilse, both as a friend and colleague.

I did not know Ilse but for a short time as we worked for different agencies, we both worked in the Herrity Bldg.  Ilse was a wonderful lady whose smile would always brighten your day. We shared many talks and stories, especially about our children and grandchildren whom she adored.  Through all of our talks, she inspired me to be the best that I could be.  I am grateful and blessed to have gotten to know such a sweet and loving lady.  She will truly be missed!

To the Riddick family...

My heart breaks for your loss, and I know there is nothing I can say to ease your pain.  I too recently lost a loved one, and the one thing someone said to me that was comforting is that my grief is a reflection of the love we shared.

I worked with Ilse at the county.  She was always supportive and thought of unique ways to get the job done.  I respected her gumption, and I will always remember her for it.

I know these days people extend thoughts and prayers, and it sometimes feels like a shallow cordiality.  However, do know that Ilse has been in my thoughts, and I have wished her a safe journey to the other side.

I am unable to make her funeral as I have moved out of state.  If I was still in Virginia, I would be there to wish you these condolences in person.

All my best,

Brian Foley

I worked with Ilse on the LDS Equity Team over this past year. Ilse was committed to ensuring that LDS provides an environment in which everyone succeeds and feels welcome. She was friendly and kind and caring and I never saw her without a smile on her face.  She was wonderful to work with and she will be missed.  

Ilse, I will always treasure our lunches where we could discuss anything and everything!  I am honored to have been a part of your LDS journey and to have counted you as a friend.  I will miss you.  Ellen Gray

Today, I returned to the office since we learned of Ilse's passing.  I have been very sad throughout the day thinking of her.   Ilse had an impact on people.  Not only was she our HR Manager, but a friend.  I personally can vouch for that, as she was there when I needed someone.   She cared deeply for us and people in general.  I never ever saw her without a smile on her face.  I lost my Mother one year ago May 2, and she passed from something similar to Ilse, which has made it even harder.  You know, I don't know why God takes them when he does, but I take comfort in knowing that they were meant to fly and that they just needed to be out of pain to be able to do that.    Ilse and my Mother are flying high with no further limitations.   May God be with you at this very difficult time.   May God bring you Peace....Shari

Ilse was always ready to help her coworkers with HR issues in the office in a very friendly manner with ever smiling face. She was an excellent team worker and a wonderful person. She will be missed a lot. 

May lord help her move forward in her journey with peace. May the Almighty give all her loved ones strength and courage to sail over this difficult moment of their lives. 

OBITUARY

Ilse Monica Riddick

May 7, 1954 – April 22, 2021

Demaine Funeral Home – Fairfax

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