Contributions to the tribute of Ricarda Eleanor Mathews

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Greta Reed posted a condolence

Thursday, October 22, 2020

I want all of you to know what Ricarda meant to me, and so I want to start by telling you how I first really got to know her. As you know, when she and Henry came to Ft. Lauderdale for the winter, they were part of Second Presbyterian Church. I was called there—my first call out of seminary, at 53!—in the summer of 1992. Later that year, or early in the next, I was invited by a Presbyterian Women’s Circle to attend one of their monthly Bible Study groups. When I arrived at the home of the host, and received my refreshments, I went into the room where Ricarda was leading the Bible study. At that time, I knew her by name, but I really knew little about her. I had mainly spent time getting to know her and Henry as a couple. As I listened to Ricarda, and observed her leadership, I felt as one of the observers of Jesus, who would exclaim, “He taught as one with authority.” She was so clear about the story itself, about what points she wanted to bring out, so good at engaging the women with her questions! I knew I wanted to get to know her better. I got my wish. Eventually she and I and her dear friend Violet McMillan, became fast friends. I regarded them as my pastors. Though I could not reveal to them anything about what was going on within the church dynamics, I could put before them my spiritual challenges. And they were my prayer “warriors.” Of course, our times together were not all serious. Most often we would meet for breakfast/brunch at one of the Atlantic coast hotels on A1A and delight at the sea, the sky, the birds, the air, the rustling palm trees, and of course the food. We shared lots of laughter as well as serious stuff. So, your grandmother/great-grandmother—whatever part of the Matthews family is reading this—need to know just what a special person she has always been to me. I will not use the past tense, because I already have evidence of her sending me messages from the other side! That book I pulled off the shelf is now at the top of my list, and I am newly “wowed” every time I pick it up. If Ricarda were here, and younger, we would be talking about these passages out-loud. Now I can “share” them with her in my heart, where I will always carry my loving memories of her. May her bright spirit illuminate your paths as she has done for others.

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Sandra, Alistair and Family planted a tree in memory of Ricarda Mathews

Friday, October 16, 2020

With love

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Alistair and Sandra Lindsay uploaded photo(s)

Friday, October 16, 2020

We have such wonderful memories of our times together here in Ireland and in Canada. The Lindsay family ‘get togethers’ in Dublin, the fun, the cribbage and tree planting in the cottage in Wexford, particularly when Cousin Kate came from Bristol. The chats in the old Fiat driving from the Airport to the cottage were special - you will always be my favourite aunt! There are so many photographs of you and Dad - sister and brother - over the years, but this is one of the best. We will all miss you Aunty Carda. Alistair, Sandra and family.

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Jennifer Mills posted a condolence

Thursday, October 15, 2020

With love-filled memories of you, dear Ricarda...my friend, my mentor. In your memory I will donate to the Women's and Children's Shelter. Much love, Terri Knott, teacher Ricarda was a wonderful school principal. She was also a dear friend to so many of us. I would say she lived life well...always with kindness and good humour. She was a wonder! Jennifer Mills, teacher

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Rhonda Scaiano Posted Oct 16, 2020 at 1:11 PM

Thank you very much Linda and Terri.

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Tribute Store

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Ricarda Mathews. Send Flowers

With caring thoughts, your friends at Home Instead Senior Care

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Linda Dunford uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Ricarda was a lovely lady to do nursing visits to. I had her for 3 years and celebrated her 101. 102, and 103 birthdays. Ricarda always had a lovely smile for me and would say "its nice to see you" My condolences to Rhonda, the family and caregivers Linda, Colleen and Lisa who took good care of Ricarda day and night, you were always there for Ricarda RIP Ricarda you will be missed Linda Dunford community visiting nurse

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Rhonda Scaiano Posted Oct 16, 2020 at 1:22 PM

Thank you for all the wonderful care you showed as her nurse. It was wonderful to know that you were always just a phone call away.

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Home Instead Senior Care uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

It was our great pleasure to be part of the care team for Ricarda. On behalf of the staff at Home Instead Senior Care we would like to express our sincere condolences to her family and our caregivers who cared for her (that includes you Linda). We have shared some pictures from her 102nd and recently her 103rd birthday. She will be deeply missed.

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Rhonda Scaiano Posted Oct 16, 2020 at 1:23 PM

Your team has been wonderful to work with, and gave us peace of mind that she was both loved and well cared for. Thank you.

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linda darby planted a tree in memory of Ricarda Mathews

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

I have loved every minute of the past 15 years with you and your family. I have been honoured to know and love you. Rest in peace!

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The family of Ricarda Eleanor Mathews uploaded a photo

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

In loving memory of

Ricarda

1917 - 2020