Theresa Ritchen Obituary

Sadness on so many levels. Theresa will always remain in my heart and in my mind as Aunt Terry who gave me the gift of music. I loved Aunt Terry and still do.

Terry was a true friend.

Mrs. RItchen played such an important part in my life. She fostered my love for music and singing (which I went on to major in while in College) and gave me my first solo! More importantly, she gave self-confidence to a shy nerdy kid. . . . . I remember her showing us West Side Story, taking a trip to Lincoln Center and singing Madrigals for the first time. . . . A few years later, when I was in High School, she found me upset at a NYSSMA festival because I had no piano player - so she played piano for me! She enriched SO MANY lives and will be missed.

I was so very sorry to hear the news about Terry from Gerry Johnson. Ed, you have my deepest sympathies, also Billy and Barbara. I met her when I married Fred Grossman who taught at the Babylon HS. She was a charmer, and she and Ed worked so well together. The loss is unbearable, but yet must be lived with. It makes me so sad. Warm sympathy hugs to all.

Terry was the consummate professional in all she did. Knew her briefly as I was a newcomer to the Charleston music scene around 1994. When I joined the Singers Guild I remember how orderly the administrative things were run by her, leaving Emily Remington to do the music. She welcomed me and made me feel at home very quickly.

Thank you to all who have reached out to us and given us so much comfort in our time of great loss. Mom was an extraordinary women, not only accomplishing goals in many interests for herself, but inspiring those around her to do the same. She was a true artist, not only using her hands and ears to listen to and create beautiful music, but later on as well, using her eyes and artistic vision to create wonderful floral displays. She will be missed beyond words and I thank you all again for your comforting thoughts.

Just will never forget such a wonderful person. She was always so delightful in everything she did. I loved working with her on the computer. They were such wonderful memories, our laughs and especially the trials and tribulations with computers! Love you, mimi

My Aunt Terry was bigger than life. Her impact on all our family was incredible. Her sense of humor,and dry wit and generosity will always be remembered and missed. I am overwhelmed by her loss, but so grateful for the memories.

I knew Terry from her TRACE days. I had just started teaching in Charleston and she was one of the most pleasant, helpful and encouraging people I met. She was a wonderful leader and advocate. My sincerest condolences to her family.

My deepest condolences to Mr. Ritchen, Barbara, and the rest of the Ritchen family. Mrs. Ritchen had a profound influence on my life. I am so grateful to have been the student of such a truly gifted and remarkably kind person.

Mrs. (and Mr.) Ritchen's indelible and positive impact has remained with me since I entered their classroom as an introverted, shy student. Thank you Mrs. Richen, your memory, encouragement and support will forever remain a blessing.

To the Ritchen family, our sincere condolences to everyone.

We have all lost a great light in Terry Ritchen - an amazing woman who lived life with a zest and passion for all that she loved. Terry's honesty, compassion, and kindness were an inspiration and I am honored to have known her. She will live on in all of our hearts.

My wife, Frances often spoke of her Garden Club of Charleston days and remembered fondly her time spent with Theresa. Later, Theresa was a warm and loving support to our family, during Frances' illness and subsequent death. She regularly reached out to us weekly to inquire and offer support. We will always remember her fondly for her graciousness and loving support. May Theresa rest in peace.

She was my Junior High Music teacher. She was an incredible teacher, and a great person. I learned so much from her! May she rest in peace.

My heart is saddened at your loss. All who knew Terry were drawn to her bright spirit and happy heart. We are all the better for knowing her. She now celebrates her birth in heaven and surely is leading the Heavenly Host of Angels in their glorious praise of Our Lord and Savior.

I am so very sorry to read this. I knew Terry from Grace Church Cathedral, where I was a member of a Foyer Group with her and Ed. I remember going to their home where she served a delicious dinner and subsequently shared a recipe with me. She was such a generous person, giving of her talents of music and floral design. I will miss seeing her when I return to Charleston for a visit. May you receive comfort from your memories.

Sympathy to the Ritchen family.

Terry Ritchen was one of the most elegant people I have ever been privileged to know. Her charm, wit, and wise smile always revealed the deepness of her love for others, and her long commitment to the arts of music and gardening embodied the beauty within her that she shared with so many. I am grateful to have known her, and know that our Lord Jesus, the source of all Love and all Beauty, has welcomed her home.

I adored Mrs. Ritchen's chorus and General Music classes in junior high. Terry required much from her students, but she gave us so much more through her palpable love of all things music. She gave me opportunities to shine, as she did so many others. And how lucky we were to then have Ed for music in high school - Six years of consummate instruction, guidance, and friendship from two very special people. Music has been central in my life, thanks to them. Terry, thank you for all you gave me. Rest in peace. Ed, Bill, Barbara and family, you have my love and sincerest condolences. May flights of angels sing her to her rest...she'll love the heavenly choir. Blessings, sympathy, and much, much love to you all.

I'm so very sorry to learn of Mrs. Ritchen's passing. She was my music teacher in junior high and piano teacher throughout high school. She instilled in me a love of music and was such an important presence in my life at the time. Sending love and prayers to your family.

We have had both of you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please know how much we care for both of you for the beautiful flowers, beautiful music, Terry's delicious desserts and most of all your nurturing our grand children through the years. Terry's presence will be missed. If we can be helpful during this week please let us know. Ed, our love and peace extends to you and all of your families. God's Peace Be With All of You. Flora and John Hart , Grace Church Cathedral Family

Prayers go out to the entire family. My heart is broken for you all. Terry will be greatly missed by many. She was such a talented woman who loved her choir and choir family! I will always remember her fine leadership when Scott was out on medical leave. She held the Grace Choir together. She left quite an impression on me and I'm thankful to have known her for over 20 years. Prayers for the comfort of Christ and the peace which passes all understanding to be with all of her friends and family.