Linda Ritchie

Obituary

Linda Stewart Ritchie (née Zinkann), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, died peacefully on September 4, 2025 at the age of 83.

Born November 9, 1941, in Kitchener-Waterloo to Kenneth and Norma Zinkann, Linda grew up active and ready for adventure. From tennis, skiing, and golf to water walks and bike rides, she lived with energy and determination. She brought that same drive to all aspects of her life: family, friendships, community, and teaching.

Linda married Charles Scott Ritchie, and together they built 57 years of marriage rooted in love and devotion to each other and their family. They raised three children, Colin, Heather, and Chris,  whom she championed tirelessly, ensuring they had every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. She spent countless hours ferrying her kids to practices, camps, schools, and tournaments — arriving more or less on time. Linda was a mother who made things happen.

Curious about the world, she loved to travel, read, meet people, and explore. She asked lots of questions and was the kind of person in whom people felt comfortable confiding. She taught high school Latin and Phys. Ed., as well as English as a Second Language. She also served on the Ontario Review Board with thoughtfulness and integrity.

Linda cultivated deep friendships, not only because she was fun, but because she knew how to be a great friend. She was the first to arrive at someone’s door with food if they were sick — or having a party.

Southampton has been a part of her family for generations, and it was her heart’s home. For nearly every year of her life, she returned to its sunsets and shoreline, where she found joy, laughter, and a good tennis game.

She liked things a certain way and wasn’t shy about saying so. It became a running joke in the family, and one of the many things we loved about her. She was formidable at a card table, whether playing bridge with friends or Canasta with the grandkids she adored. Even in her later years, as she endured knee and shoulder replacements, she showed her trademark strength, determination, and humour.

Linda told us she was at peace with her “rich and full life”. It was filled with travel and adventure, laughter and play, love given and returned, and the strength of a family she cherished.

She is survived by her husband Scott, her brother James Zinkann, her children Colin, Heather, and Chris, and her beloved grandchildren, Madeleine and Benjamin Dierickse. She was excited about the pending arrival of Chris and his partner Sarah’s baby boy in January. She will be missed deeply, remembered joyfully, and honoured by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

There will be a visitation on September 11 from 4:00–7:00 at Harris Funeral Home (220 St James St, London) and a celebration of life on September 16 at 1:00 at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club (465 Sunningdale Rd W, London).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Health and Homelessness Fund for Change, administered by the London Community Foundation. https://www.lcf.on.ca/fund-for-change or a charity of your choice.