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Georgianna Ritter
April 6, 1931 - May 11, 2016
RITTER, Georgianna Isabelle (nee Fennell)
April 6, 1931 - May 11, 2016
Georgianna Isabelle Fennell Ritter, beloved mother, composer, and music pioneer - she breathed every breath and sang every song that was in her, and left a legacy of joy.
Georgianna Isabelle was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan, the only child of Merrill and Adeline (Addie) Fennell. She was educated at the University of Saskatchewan, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Music in 1952. She went on to earn a teaching certificate and begin her professional career as a school teacher.
In 1956, “Georgie” married Robert Ritter and followed his academic career to Alberta where, as wife of the Dean of Engineering at the University of Calgary, she raised their four children (Susan, Judith, David, and Paul), and played an active role in the artistic and academic communities. In 1967 she founded Suzuki Talent Education Society (ATES) and served as the organization’s President and Executive Director. Her Suzuki legacy flourishes in Calgary to this day, having given an early start in the education of thousands of musicians since its inception.
In addition to contributing to the artistic community, Georgianna was a skilled pianist and composer. Her original music lives on primarily in written form, but also in the recordings and films she produced over the years. As an educator, artist, and a business woman, she continued her active contributions to the Calgary community throughout her life.
Georgianna will be deeply missed by her 4 children, her 7 grandchildren, her extended family and many friends. She passed away at the Hillcrest Extendicare Nursing Home in Calgary at the age of 85.
Georgianna’s vibrant, courageous, and inspiring life will be celebrated on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at St. David’s Church (3303 Capitol Hill Crescent NW, Calgary) at 11:00 a.m. It was her wish that any donations in her memory be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.ab.ca .
April 6, 1931 - May 11, 2016
Georgianna Isabelle Fennell Ritter, beloved mother, composer, and music pioneer - she breathed every breath and sang every song that was in her, and left a legacy of joy.
Georgianna Isabelle was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan, the only child of Merrill and Adeline (Addie) Fennell. She was educated at the University of Saskatchewan, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Music in 1952. She went on to earn a teaching certificate and begin her professional career as a school teacher.
In 1956, “Georgie” married Robert Ritter and followed his academic career to Alberta where, as wife of the Dean of Engineering at the University of Calgary, she raised their four children (Susan, Judith, David, and Paul), and played an active role in the artistic and academic communities. In 1967 she founded Suzuki Talent Education Society (ATES) and served as the organization’s President and Executive Director. Her Suzuki legacy flourishes in Calgary to this day, having given an early start in the education of thousands of musicians since its inception.
In addition to contributing to the artistic community, Georgianna was a skilled pianist and composer. Her original music lives on primarily in written form, but also in the recordings and films she produced over the years. As an educator, artist, and a business woman, she continued her active contributions to the Calgary community throughout her life.
Georgianna will be deeply missed by her 4 children, her 7 grandchildren, her extended family and many friends. She passed away at the Hillcrest Extendicare Nursing Home in Calgary at the age of 85.
Georgianna’s vibrant, courageous, and inspiring life will be celebrated on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at St. David’s Church (3303 Capitol Hill Crescent NW, Calgary) at 11:00 a.m. It was her wish that any donations in her memory be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.ab.ca .