Mary E. “Betty” (McAuliffe) Ritchie, 86, Former Hale Hospital Nurse

mary_ritchieMary E. “Betty” (McAuliffe) Ritchie, 86, of Bradford, wife of the late, Robert C. Ritchie, passed away peacefully March 4, surrounded by her family at the Haverhill Crossings.

Born in Haverhill, she was the daughter of the late, Cornelius W. and Mary F. (Kelley) McAuliffe. She attended St. James Grammar school and was a graduate of St. James High School, class of 1948. She received her nursing degree from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in 1951. She was employed by the City of Haverhill at the former Hale Hospital for more than 32 years. She also worked in the offices of Dr. Glazer and Dr. Rodriguez. Her memberships included St. Elizabeth’s Alumni Association, Mass. Nurses Association, and Catholic Daughters of the America Court St. James #436. After her retirement she volunteered at Merrimack Valley Hospital.

She was married to Robert C. Ritchie for 53 years until his passing in 2011. She adored her family and enjoyed their time together. She is survived by her three daughters, Carol A. Lagasse, of Haverhill, Joanne M. Blynn, of Bradford, and Patricia E. Wentworth and her husband, Robert, of Raymond, N.H.; son; Robert G. Ritchie and his wife, Joanne M. (Palumbo), of Wakefield; grandchildren; Douglas Blynn and his wife, Julianne, Daniel Blynn and his wife, Antoinette, Rachael Wentworth, Robert Wentworth, Erin Lagasse, Ian Ritchie, Ryan Ritchie, and Maggie Ritchie; great granddaughter, Iris Blynn; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, James F. Ritchie, son in law, Douglas Blynn, and her sister, Kathryn L. Law.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours Tuesday, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services begin Wednesday morning at 9, from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m., at Sacred Hearts Church, South Main Street, Bradford. Burial follows at St. James Cemetery, Primrose Street, Haverhill.

Her family expresses gratitude to the caregivers and staff of the Merrimack Valley Hospice House and Haverhill Crossings. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Merrimack Valley Hospice House 360 North Ave. Haverhill, MA 01830.