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Margaret Ritchie Obituary
Margaret came to Alaska in 1958 as a teacher and ended her teaching career in 1980. She then served as special assistant to the commissioner, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, and ended her career managing the office of Dr. Matsutani.
Margaret, who gained first-hand knowledge of Alaska from territorial days to the present, was actively involved in Alaska's Democratic Party. It was with great privilege and honor that Margaret worked in Congressman Nick Begich's campaign and was a member of his office staff in Anchorage during the disappearance of his airplane.She remained a good friend of the family.
Margaret was married to Dr. Melbourne Henry, professor, School of Social Work, University of Alaska Anchorage. They also lived in Reno, Nev., and Huntsville, Ala., and then returned to Anchorage in 1998.
Margaret had many friends. She will be missed most by her family: husband, Dr. Melbourne Henry; children, John and Elizabeth Pohjola; and grandchildren, Max and Abigail Wright, Malcolm Kenney and Grace Pohjola.
A funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Anchorage Baha'i Center, 1207 E. 74th Ave. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make a donation to one of the following charities: The Cancer Association, Planned Parenthood, or The Southern Poverty Law Center
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Ritchie
John
June 4, 2011
Thanks for all the kind thoughts! My best saying to mother, "best mommie in the world!! I am surely blessed to have had her. And I miss her so much.
Guy Martin
June 2, 2011
I just want to add the thought that Margaret was one of those who understood the value and meaning of public service in a special way, and continuously made Alaska and the world a better place day by day. I was proud to know her. Guy Martin
Margy Johnson
May 30, 2011
It was her laughter! That deep hardly laugh, that I loved. Her compassion, and that "no BS" attitude. A truly lovely lady. My condolences.
Dee Foster
May 29, 2011
Dr. Henry, I am greatly saddened by the loss of your lovely wife. I only met her once, but it could not be missed, your great and enduring affection for her. Please know how many care for you and are saddened by this news. Dee Foster, ACMHS
May 28, 2011
Today is our day to say goodbye to an amazing women who for many years was a second mom to me. She was an wonderful mentor but most of all she was a great listener who inspired me to do the right thing. I prayers are with all of you at this time of sadness. I am so glad I have such fond and special memories of my child life and growing up right next to her house. Love youn all Phyllis Kruger
Tom Begich
May 28, 2011
Mel, John and Elizabeth,
My thoughts are with you. Margaret was a delight and a friend. Infectious in her irreverence, beautiful in her joy, steadfast in her friendship. I will miss her.
Much Love, TOm
Andrea Schmook
May 27, 2011
Mel, I'm so sorry for your loss of you beautiful wife, Margaret. My prayers are with you and your family. I know that you have many cherished memories of the years you and Margaret were together; you will miss her, but she will always be in your heart.
Suzanne Fairbanks
May 27, 2011
Mel, my deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Donna Fred
May 27, 2011
My lovely Margaret, was such a beautiful person and a very special cousin. She was a beacon of hope in my years growing up. Everyone will truly miss this lady.
Beau Bassett
May 26, 2011
Margaret was a wonderfully kind, intelligent and caring person who was a great educator, mentor, leader and diplomat in challenging circumstances. Among her many meaningful accomplishments was
helping start a 9th & 10th grade REAP Program at East Anchorage High School in the late 1970's early 1980's to help at-risk students stay and succeed in school. She did tremendous things for others, especially those less fortunate. She contributed a great deal to her community and the State of Alaska. My condolences to her family. Her friends were many and will also miss her dearly. Thank you Margaret for being a strong role model for educational leadership and compassionate and innovative work in the Alaska.
Mary Sullivan
May 25, 2011
What a tremendous life! Dr. Henry the WORLD will miss your wife and all she did to make it a better place for everyone.
I will be making a donation to the Southern Poverty Law Center in her memory.
Steven Pohjola
May 25, 2011
My deepest condolences to Mel, cousins Elizabeth and John. Aunt Margaret was a very special person who made visits with my 'western family' very fun and special. Aunt Margaret always shared love and expert wisdom in recommendations! Love and miss you all.
Charlotte Hodge
May 25, 2011
Will always love you to the moon and back.I feel so lucky that you were in my life.Will miss you dear cuz. My love to the family. Love Charlotte
Barbara Brinkerhoff --Dale
May 24, 2011
A light that will always shine, your wit and your loving heart still glow. Thanks for touching my life Margaret.
FF
May 24, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with joyful memories as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bill and Barb Fleshman-White
May 24, 2011
Mel and family,
We wish you peace and comfort during this time. May Margaret live on not only in our memory but also in our deeds.
Warmly - your neighbors
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