Jacquelyn Maureen Riddell (Nee Hagarty) on Thursday March 28th, 2019, peacefully at home with her husband at her side. Jackie was born in Winnipeg July 22, 1931 the eldest daughter of Colonel William Grassett Hagarty D.S.O. and Mary Kinney of Boston. Survived by her loving husband of 65 years John (Jack) Aubrey Riddell, her children, John Geoffrey (Bradley), Catherine Mary (Jonathan Knowles, Sarah, Jonathan), Lisanne (John , James), her eldest brother William (Bill) Hagarty of London, Ontario and her younger sister Susan (Susie) (Terry) Strain of Calgary and her dear sister-in-law Elaine (Lannie). Jackie was predeceased by her brothers John, Ken and Ted and her half-sister Pat. Jackie grew up in an environment full of mischief and adventure on various army bases across Canada. During those years she developed a love of horses which stayed with her for the rest of her life. As part of a lively and gregarious family, Jackie stored up countless vignettes to regale her friends and relations with over the course of her long life. Jackie’s early years at the Taylor Statten Camp, Wapomeo, instilled a deep love of Algonquin Park. Her ‘camp’ friends were emblazoned in her heart forever. She spent many wonderful summers with her friends at her cottage on Smoke Lake creating happy memories. Always a voracious reader, Jackie was passionate about learning. As a late entrant to formal schooling, at the age of 8 she was rescued by her life-long friend Mary Lamb (Labatt) who told the nuns it was ridiculous that Jackie wasn’t in her grade. They agreed and Jackie’s education accelerated from that day forward. Jackie graduated from Brescia University College at The University of Western Ontario as the youngest female graduate of her day. She cherished her time at University, reviling in the freedom of the intellectual environment and the friends she made. It was during her time at Western that she met the love of her life, Jack. They were married in London, Ontario on May 15, 1954 and went on to have three children Geoff, Cathy and Lisa. Jackie passed her love of nature and horses onto all her children. She loved to travel and embarked on numerous adventures with friends and lecturers to enjoy and experience the history and cultures of the world. Jackie and Jack cherished their farm and enjoyed the quiet natural beauty that enveloped them until the end of her life. A long-standing member of both the I.O.D.E. and The May Court Club, Jackie collaborated to help those in need. She will be remembered for love of: friends, conversation, world affairs and her ability to enchant with stories of her life and escapades. Those who knew her well will miss her energetic spirit and kind heart. The family would like to especially thank Stephanie, Betty, Rumar and Jamie and all the amazing caregivers who helped with Jackie’s final days. Memorial service to be held at a later date.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Jacquelyn (Jackie) Maureen Riddell (nee Hagarty)
Print Obituary & Condolences
Elaine Willard
Dear Jack, Geoff, Cathy, Lisa and grandchildren,
Please accept our sincere condolences. Jackie was well loved by her family and friends. I remember her kind generosity at Christmas when our kids were young. She was a wonderful next door neighbour and I enjoyed many long chats with her over the years. You are blessed with many good memories.
Fondly,
Elaine, Rebecca, Lisa, and Christopher
Marcia Spear
Sincerest condolences to Mr. R., Geoff, Lisa and Cathy.
May she rest peacefully after a long battle.
Liz Wardrop
Dear Uncle Jack, Geoff, Cathy and Lisa
I remember the Wardrop’s and the Riddell’s visits together with Aunt Jackie being the families ring leader. Mom and Aunt Jackie cooking up fun. Our times on Owen Blvd and at the farm hold such fond memories for me. Many laughs and great times. Aunt Jackie will always hold a special place in my heart as she was my Mom’s Maid of Honour and my GodMother. I will remember her with love. She was an incredible woman and she will be with you always. My condolences to you all
John Wardrop
Dear Jack, Geoff, Cathy and Lisa
My sincerest condolences on the loss of Jackie. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Hilary Roy
So sad to read about Jackie’s death – love to you and family.
Remembering 50 Upper Canada Dr. Mary Roy
Hugh McGowan
Dear Jack, Geoff, Cathy, Lisa
Our sincere condolences at this difficult and sad time for all of you
Hugh and Josephine McGowan
Megan S. Mills
Best wishes to all of you, having just spotted a nice obituary. What a lot of interesting things you have to remember, a fine example on several fronts! xoxo Megan Mills