RATUSHNY, Colleen Antoinette (Toni)
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
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A fine tribute to a wonderful lady.
Yours in sympathy and sorrow
Jayne & Bill
Dear Fred and family,
What a beautiful and apt obituary for a woman who was beautiful, inside and out. Toni was a gracious, compassionate, welcoming, kind and dear soul. We are so grateful to have been included in her large and diverse circle of family and friends. Although not family by birth, we both felt very much a part of Toni’s family. Our hearts are heavy as we know yours is, but we will remember Toni’s loving and gentle nature and will take comfort in knowing that the world is a much better place because she was in it.
Much love to all of you,
Margaret and Ed
To the family and friends of Toni. My condolences to all of you. Even though I have not seen her for a ‘few’ years I too loved Toni. She was an amazing woman whom I will remember forever. May she Rest In Peace.
Shawn
Toni,
I shall always remember the taste of those amazing sticky buns and tea at your Home, when we got a chance to visit, I am not Family but your sure welcomed me like I was a Son and made me wish I was. Thank you for all your Love and Support to both you and Fred that showed me your amazing relationship as we spent many hours touring the countryside for the right Home, those are fond memories that will always be with me. You both touched my heart and I am so grateful to have known you. Your caring ways humble me and remind me of just how caring you both were.
Much Love
Simon
Ellen and I send our deepest condolences to all Toni’s family and friends. She was a great woman who raised a great family and will be missed by all who knew her. xoxoxo
This is a beautiful tribute to indeed a beautiful person inside and out. We had the pleasure of knowing Toni when our families lived together in Langley during many events that they attended to watch their grandchildren play hockey and ringette and attend Brownies/Guides. They were front and center and always made everyone feel special and important. Your mom did have a huge heart and a special smile and those who knew her were lucky and blessed. Sending our condolences to all of you during this difficult time. May she Rest In Peace and live on in your hearts.
Dear Fred & Family
We have been privileged to know Toni for 60+ years in several provinces and once in England.
She was a remarkable and talented lady.
We will miss her smile, hugs and warm greeting.
Her long journey is complete – may she rest in peace.
All our love
Glen & Jan
Dear Fred and family,
What a beautiful story, of a beautiful woman, you have told. Toni indeed touched all of our hearts.
She was truly a wonderful person, a gracious role model for all of us. We treasure every fond memory.
With love,
Darrel & Corinne and family
Oh dear Fred and family, your loss is very great, my heart is with you all, Toni’s loving warmth and true and kind friendship meant so much to Roger and I, we so loved her, we had the wonderful privilege to be next door neighbors for many years. How very much her beautiful smile and laugh and will be missed and of course her instant welcoming hospitality and amazing chef creations, so humbly multi talented, will cherish and hold dear many memories with you of precious Toni,
My very deepest condolences, Jayne
My deepest condolences to Fred and family.
Only visited Toni and Fred few times. The very first time I felt like we know each other for a long time. Toni made me feel like I’m coming home. Toni was truly an exceptional human being. I can imagine her to be kind to everyone she met.
Such a warm heart and I’ll always keep Toni in my heart.
Fred, I’m very so sorry for your loss….