ETHEL RUTH LANGRIDGE

1920 ~ 2018

The family of Ethel Ruth Langridge of Lethbridge is sad to announce her passing at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at the age of 97 years, just one day after what would have been her 76th wedding anniversary. (Ethel was predeceased by her best friend, soul mate and husband, Bert, in 2011).

Ethel was born in Romford, Essex, England on April 28, 1920. During World War II, she met a young Canadian soldier (Bert), and in 1942 they were married. Following the war, she and their first child arrived in Canada to begin a new life in Lethbridge. Ethel and Bert shared a romance and marriage that would last for 69 years, and they were absolutely inseparable, walking kilometers every day, holding hands wherever they went.

Ethel is survived by her daughter Jean (Bill) Gordon; grandchildren David (Shelley) Dragland, Gary (Sandy) Dragland, Deb Dragland, Jeff (Bonnie) Gordon, Rob (Wendy) Gordon; son-in-law Dave Dragland; granddaughter-in-law Tracy Dragland, and grandson-in-law Mike Kennedy; fourteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

All members of her large family including her niece, nephews and their families loved her beautiful smile (which often attracted fellow bus passengers to come up just to speak with her), her ability to give each family member her full and individual attention and love, her outstanding skill as a listener which enhanced her reputation within the family as an excellent “detective”, her far reaching knowledge of and interest in the world around her from current politics to social media, and the fact that they all agree that she had the family’s most amazing memory, even at the age of 97 years. (“Nanny, when is x’s birthday again?”)

In addition to her husband, Bert, Ethel was also predeceased by her parents; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Pete and Eileen Langridge; daughter Ruth Dragland; grandson Brent Dragland; and great-great grandson, Baby Bryson.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff of St. Michael’s Palliative Care unit who made Ethel’s final days comfortable, peaceful and filled with love. Their support made a difficult time far less difficult for all the members of Ethel’s family as we travelled with Ethel on her final journey.

In lieu of flowers or other similar tributes, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Michael’s Health Care Foundation, 1400 – 9 Avenue S. Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4V5, or to a charity of one’s choice.