We Remember

RICHTER, Elizabeth Gale

September 24, 1944 — May 3, 2020

Elizabeth passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 3, 2020, in Kelowna, BC. Born September 24, 1944, in Toronto, she was the only child of the late Maxine and Allan Watson. She leaves, Gerd, her loving husband of 51 years; son Kevin (Megan O’Neill) and 2 grandchildren Sara and Tommy; and daughter Laura (Darren Buschel) and 2 grandchildren Nathaniel and Hannah.  She also leaves many friends from her 23 happy years primarily as Props Coordinator in the community theatre circuit with Etobicoke Musical Productions in Toronto.  Gale occasionally appeared on stage in musicals such as Grand Hotel (Elizaveta Grushinskaya), Me and My Girl (Duchess of Dene), Steel Magnolias, and a scruffy prisoner in Don Quixote.  As a child, her family spent summers on the Toronto islands, moving there while school was still in session. This taught her the value of being on time so she wouldn’t miss the ferry in the morning.

Gale worked at a law firm until she met her husband who took her away from all that only to be turned into a (fine) homemaker for her family. She later worked at the U of T Mississauga campus for many years as Conference Manager, retiring in 2010.  During the 80’s Gale was also a member of the National Ballet Volunteer Committee at one time serving as membership and projects chairman. She laughed a lot and made others laugh and welcomed anyone into her heart. She radiated love, light, and laughter. She will miss the Spring, but more than anything, the colours of Fall in Ontario.

Gale will be cremated at the Springfield Funeral home in Kelowna. BC. Contributions in memory of Gale may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.ca. Due to Covid-19 restrictions at this time, no service will be held; A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!)

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Heart and Stroke Foundation Link: www.heartandstroke.ca

 


 


Condolences

  • Ed White says:

    My heartfelt condolences to Gerd and the family.
    I first met Gale and Gerd when I joined the build and back stage team for the EMP production of Les Mis. From the first moments she was always generous, uplifting and supportive. Her passion for the company was unbounded. She’ll be missed but her smile is etched in all our memories.

  • jane macfarlane says:

    Our dear, dear Gale. You will be sorely missed.

    • Lynn and Barry Gerrard says:

      So very sorry for the loss of your Mom ! Sincere thoughts are with you and your family .

  • Cynthia says:

    I’m so so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband Nick Sabetti who was I the theatre world with G

    I am so so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband and Gale was there for me. OMG I can’t believe this is happening. My heart goes out to all of you!!!!!!

    • Uwe & Barbara Reinhard says:

      Lieber Gerd ,Laura, Kevin und Familien !
      Hiermit übermitteln wir unser Aufrichtiges Beileid,!
      Wir haben es erst jetzt durch Zufall erfahren .Tut uns sehr leid.
      Wir haben sie als sehr liebe Frau kennen gelernt ,als wir bei euch in den 90 Jahren, aus Deutschland zu Besuch waren.
      Uwe & Barbara und Thomas Reinhard mit Familie

  • Nora and John Goodwin says:

    Dear Gerd, Kevin, Laura and family,
    We are so sorry for the loss of dear Gale, she was a warm and bright light whenever we saw her. What a sudden loss. We will remember her for her warmth, her smile, her sense of humour. Our family appreciates and remembers all the family events in Cambridge that she and Gerd made a special effort to attend, always. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love from Bert, Nora, John and children, Jack Ella and Gavin.

  • Glenna Cairns says:

    As I said on Facebook – there was no lady finer than Gale – I feel so lucky to have met her, worked with her, laughed with her and danced with her. To Gerd, Laura and Kevin – in time you will be able to think of her not with tears, but with a smile. Take care of each other.

  • Marlene and Julio Yustin says:

    To My dearest Gerd and Family (Kevin and Laura):
    Our deepest condolences from ‘old’ ‘old’ friends from Clarkson, Ontario. Marlene and Julio Yustin

  • carol nesker says:

    As a past President of The Volunteer Committee it was a privilege and honour to know and work with Gail on many projects. She will be missed but not forgotten.

  • Dorothy & Fred Bird says:

    Gale has been a dear and very special friend for 40 years, ever since she joined the National Ballet Volunteer Committee. She. always brought her crazy sense of humour to any project we worked on and our regular social activities. Our connection ramped up again when Gerd and Gale moved to Kelowna, ,BC just an hour’s drive away from us in Salmon Arm. We talked or texted almost daily and visited as often as possible and I miss her every day. This world has lost a very special human being.
    Our love goes out to Gerd, Kevin and Laura and your families. Hope to see you soon and often.

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