Amanda (Mandy) Ritchie
Amanda Jayne Ritchie was born in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England on January 7, 1965. Amanda (Mandy) arrived in Kincardine with her family from the UK in January 1977 and became a proud citizen in 1980.
Amanda is lovingly missed by her father Ian Ritchie and his wife Jacquie (Fraser). Cherished sister of Dawn and Andrew (Krista). She will be forever remembered by her aunts Denise, Margaret and Susan, uncles Graham and Stanley, nieces Cassandra, Morgan and Lydia and nephew Kevin (Kayla). Predeceased by her Mum Catherine Ritchie (Charlton) and her loving grandparents. She loved her family and was adored by them.
Amanda had Down’s Syndrome but had a full and happy life despite her disability. She had no fear and would try everything and was constantly surprised with her abilities. She loved people, everyone got an unforgettable smile and usually a hug. People said she brought sunshine into their lives whenever they met her.
She loved sport and Special Olympics, playing T ball, floor hockey and athletics. She was selected to represent Kincardine in 3 events in the 1999 Ontario Provincials. At Special Olympics in Sudbury, she won a gold medal for the 50 metres sprint, silver medal for shot putt and bronze medal for long jump. She was given a parade in Kincardine with other Kincardine Special Olympics Athletes.
She loved watching the Leafs and Blue Jays on TV and watched both teams live on a number of occasions. She worked in a number of early education businesses in Kincardine and also worked in a local video store. She was a great socializer, loved local pubs, drinking Guinness, eating ice cream, listening and watching live bands, and dancing. She liked all kinds of music, her favourites being Abba. She attended day away program in Port Elgin and loved going there, known affectionately as the “dancing queen”, up dancing as soon as music was played. She was always smiling and had an impish sense of humour and that infectious smile. Her big joke was to offer to treat you for a coffee and then when it was time to pay tell you she hadn’t brought her purse! She never spoke badly of anyone and brought happiness to others all her life. So many people will miss her.
In her last 4 months in hospital she never complained and thankfully passed peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, without pain. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on a summer day to be announced later. Thanks to the doctors, nurses and maintenance staff of Kincardine Hospital, also the doctors, nurses and maintenance staff of Southampton Hospital for their love and care. Amanda’s last days were spent in Huron Shores Hospice in Tiverton. Thanks to the staff that looked after Amanda and her family with such compassion and care to make the experience as painless as possible.
A special thanks to Dr. Leanne Thomson for her many years of caring for Amanda. Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, greybrucecremation.com.