With deep sorrow, and disbelief, we mark the passing of Sara Jeannette Ridley (née McLellan) after a brief illness at the age of 84 — a month shy of her next birthday.

 

She is survived by her children Patti (Ross) Pomrenke, David (Heather Kerr) and Scott (Myrna MacDonald); beloved grandchildren Jordan, Kristy, Davis, and Natasha Pomrenke, Ian and Maeve Ridley and Norah Ridley; sister-in-law Gina McLellan; and many nieces and nephews who were understandably fond of her as their aunt, as she was of them. Going before her in death were her husband James (Jim), her brother Robert (Bob) McLellan, and Jim’s brothers, sisters, and their spouses.

 

Jeannette was born in Vermilion, Alta. As an infant, she moved to Naicam, Sask., with parents Bryan and Eleonore, who owned a pharmacy. She attended elementary and high school there before taking the laboratory technician course at Regina College in 1954. While interning in Saskatoon, she met Jim Ridley who lived in the same boarding house. She and Jim wed in May 1958, lived in North Battleford and moved to Unity, Sask., in 1959 where they had a grocery business and where their children were born. The entire family moved to Red Deer in 1972. Jeannette loved the city and the wonderful people she met while keeping strong connections with friends from her days in Unity, Naicam and at college.

 

Jeannette was bright, gracious, positive, so very kind and a gentle spirit — with strong resolve. The art of being a friend hardly begins to describe her bonds with people. She held close her friendships through curling, skating, Order of the Eastern Star, bridge club, Golden Circle, Sunnybrook United, her Sunday morning breakfast companions (including her friend Bob), and her kind neighbours at her downtown condominium. She would confidently beat most — if not all — cribbage opponents and not rub it in (although she seemed to take some small joy in winning). A great letter writer, she also texted and emailed without a hitch.  With her good humour, she laughed at our corny jokes.

 

There are no immediate plans to gather, grieve and give thanks for Jeannette’s beautiful and nourishing life, but we will celebrate her life when the time is right. Our thanks to her supportive friends and family, along with the Unit 33 staff at Red Deer Regional Hospital.

 

Donations in Jeannette’s memory can be made to Sunnybrook United Church or the Red Deer Public Library, through www.canadahelps.ca. Condolences can be relayed through the online obituary at www.arbormemorial.ca/en/eventide/obituaries.

• Date : 2021-08-28
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home