​Mandy Ritchie of Kincardine remembered for her love of sports and dancing, and her impish sense of humour

Amanda (Mandy) Jayne Ritchie of Kincardine died Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Huron Shores Hospice in Tiverton. She was 61.

Born Jan. 7, 1965, in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England, Mandy arrived in Kincardine with her family in January, 1977, and became a proud citizen in 1980.

Lovingly missed by her father, Ian Ritchie, and his wife, Jacquie (Fraser).

Cherished sister of Dawn and Andrew (Krista); and forever remembered by her aunts, Denise, Margaret and Susan; uncles, Graham and Stanley; nieces, Cassandra, Morgan and Lydia; and nephew, Kevin (Kayla).

Predeceased by her Mum, Catherine Ritchie (Charlton).

She loved her family and was adored by them.

Mandy had Down Syndrome but had a full and happy life despite her disability. She had no fear and would try everything, and was constantly surprised with her abilities. She loved people; everyone got an unforgettable smile and usually a hug. People said she brought sunshine into their lives whenever they met her.

She loved sport and Special Olympics, playing T-ball, floor hockey and athletics. She was selected to represent Kincardine in three events in the 1999 Ontario Provincials. At Special Olympics in Sudbury, she won a gold medal for the 50-metre sprint, silver medal for shot put, and bronze medal for long jump. She was given a parade in Kincardine with other Kincardine Special Olympics athletes.

Mandy enjoyed watching the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays on TV and watched both teams live on a number of occasions.

She worked in several early education businesses in Kincardine and also worked in a local video store. She was a great socializer, loved local pubs, drinking Guinness, eating ice cream, listening to and watching live bands, and dancing. She liked all kinds of music, her favourites being ABBA.

Mandy attended the Day Away program in Port Elgin and loved going there, known affectionately as the “dancing queen,” up dancing as soon as the music was played.

She was always smiling and had an impish sense of humour and that infectious smile. Her big joke was to offer to treat you for a coffee and then when it was time to pay, tell you she hadn’t brought her purse! She never spoke badly of anyone and brought happiness to others all her life. So many people will miss her.

In the past four months in hospital, she never complained and thankfully, died peacefully, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, without pain.

Cremation has taken place.

A celebration of life will be held on a summer day, to be announced later.

Thanks to the doctors, nurses and maintenance staff at Kincardine Hospital; also, the doctors, nurses and maintenance staff at Southampton Hospital for their love and care. Mandy's last days were spent at Huron Shores Hospice in Tiverton. Thanks to the staff who looked after her and her family with such compassion and care to make the experience as painless as possible.

Special thanks to Dr. Leanne Thomson for her many years of caring for Mandy.

Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, www.greybrucecremation.com.