Cover photo for Colleen Antoinette (Toni) Ratushny's Obituary
Colleen Antoinette (Toni) Ratushny Profile Photo

Colleen Antoinette (Toni) Ratushny

January 2, 1935 — October 18, 2021

January 2, 1935 – October 18, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Colleen Antoinette (Toni) Ratushny on Monday, October 18, 2021 at the age of 86 years.  She was the pillar of our family, beloved wife of Fred, and Mother, Nana and SuperNana to a family of twenty-four. Her impact in this life was exceptional…and her presence will stay with us, always.

Life without her will be very hard, but her memory will live on in the hearts and souls of all those she held so dear.  She was lucky to be able to spend time recently with so many of her family and friends, and through the power of technology in today’s world, many long distance visits as well, all of which warmed her heart.

Toni was a woman of so many interests and talents.  She was continually immersed in learning something new – crafting and creating.  She was an accomplished seamstress, and a quilter in later years.  She was a spinner and weaver and was continually on the hunt for wool to card and spin.  She was a passionate gardener, always grew her own food, and was constantly embarking on projects that piqued her interest.

But the ‘Love Language’ of our dear Mother was really the language of food.  She loved to bake and cook and preserve and feed all those she loved.  She was always ready for anyone to arrive, with goodies that would magically appear at a moment’s notice. She was a cake decorator, a bread maker, and a pastry chef.  Her greatest joy was cooking alongside her grandchildren and she was so pleased to be able to pass on to them many traditional heritage recipes that she had developed over the years. She equipped them well for life and gave them countless memories to treasure. Her holiday treats will live on as a source of great joy when her family gathers together.

A statement that Toni made recently was “I am satisfied with my life.” and that is really quite profound.  She lived in the present moment, and always made everyone feel so very loved and special.  She had a beautifully warm smile, a wonderful laugh and hugs that were absolutely sincere.  She lived her life with commitment and resiliency that impressed and impacted us all.

Our Mother was a truly lovely person, a sentiment echoed by all those who met her.  As we move ahead, we will remember this exceptionally beautiful woman with great love and endless affection.  We will continue to thank her for her many gifts, hold the memory of her tightly in our hearts, and salute her at every opportunity.

“Always remember the good times.”

****

Toni’s journey from the end of summer into the autumn was lifted up by the exceptional people who have been called to health care at the Foothills Hospital and the St. Marguerite Dulcina Hospice, and we will be forever grateful for their compassion and exceptional care.  There will not be a formal service at this time. We will celebrate her with joyful remembrance when we gather again in the spring or summertime.

Arrangements entrusted to Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director

Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca – 403-932-1039 To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Colleen Antoinette (Toni) Ratushny, please visit our flower store.

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