Your browser has cookies disabled. Make sure your cookies are enabled and try again. If you believe that there is an error, please contact us for assistance.
A memorial will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Westminster Congregational United Church of Christ, 411 South Washington Street, Spokane. For more information contact Mary at 509-838-7449.
63 years old
Born on June 14, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Passed away on February 13, 2011 in Spokane, Washington, United States
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Emily Ritzman, 63 years old, born on June 14, 1947, and passed away on February 13, 2011. We will remember her forever.
Emily Ritzman was my home economics teacher in high school. She was more than a teacher she was a friend. She was a pleasure to be around with a smile to match! I know she is missed! Diane Johnson
When we were all in our 20's and 30's, Emily was the leader of our posse. She herded everyone to happy hour, to the movies, restaurants, plays, wine and beer tastings, barbecues, lake outings and on and on.
Emily was always the life of the party. Her life was a party, a celebration. Thank you Em, for being you.
I've known Emily since 1973 when, to my surprise, I was put in her Sewing class-one of my majors at Ridley High School in PA. I hated sewing and have no idea why i was placed in her class...or maybe I really do...it was to be touched by Emily. We stayed in touch all these years. We'd write and talk once a year until she couldn't anymore. God's Speed friend...I miss that you are no longer with us.
For many years, Emily and Mary Rupert and I shared the joy of listening to the Whitworth Choir singing Christmas music. We sat in the front row, remembered all our favorite singers from previous years, and smiled together in delight at the familiar yet ever new sights and sounds. Oh, Emily, you will be in our hearts for a long, long time.
Emily loved life to the fullest with every ounce of her capacity throughout her entire difficult journey with Alzheimer's. I'm not just saying this out of sentimentality. Where others might get depressed or want to end their own lives, she asked "How long do I have?" The last thing I fed her was chocolate, and she said "Mmmmm".
I was one of Emilys caregivers at Northpointe Retirement in the Arbor Houses last year. I had the pleasure to work with her one on one. The one thing i remember most about emily is that she was always smiling. I could always get her to sing and dance with me. Emily really brightened a gloomy day for me. Emily will be missed by many. REST IN PEACE EMILY.
Jane Beaven & Dan Finn have many fond memories of time spent and laughs shared at Sacheen Lake with Mary and Emily. We didn't know Emily before her illness but certainly admired her spirit toward the end of her life. At the lake Emily pronounced every meal that was served as "a feast"; this seemed to be her view of her life also.
I met Emily years ago at work and we became friends. I have never known anyone quite like her. She was such an encouraging, friendly person. She loved everyone. She loved her family. I remember her talking about them all the time. She had an awesome network of close friends that helped her in her journey and I thank them for being there for her. Love you Em!
I lost touch with Emily after we stopped working together but never forgot about her. Her warmth, kindness and creativity have left a lasting memory with me. And Emily - Thank you for twice the joy, and only half the sorrow :^)
I met Emily at Northpointe, she sat at the same table as my Mother, always a big smile. She would acompany my Mom (Myrna)on outings using Moms wheel chair to steady herself, Mom also suffered from a similar disease. Later they both moved to Arbor housse at about the same time. Mom passed away last November. Emily was a wonderful person and a loyal friend to many. She will be missed.
Emily Ritzman was my home economics teacher in high school. She was more than a teacher she was a friend. She was a pleasure to be around with a smile to match! I know she is missed! Diane Johnson
When we were all in our 20's and 30's, Emily was the leader of our posse. She herded everyone to happy hour, to the movies, restaurants, plays, wine and beer tastings, barbecues, lake outings and on and on.
Emily was always the life of the party. Her life was a party, a celebration. Thank you Em, for being you.
I've known Emily since 1973 when, to my surprise, I was put in her Sewing class-one of my majors at Ridley High School in PA. I hated sewing and have no idea why i was placed in her class...or maybe I really do...it was to be touched by Emily. We stayed in touch all these years. We'd write and talk once a year until she couldn't anymore. God's Speed friend...I miss that you are no longer with us.