The Passing of Schroon's Rosemarie Ritson

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Photo: Courtesy Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce 

Photo: Courtesy Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce

 

Many Schroon Lakers – both near and far – are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of a true icon: Rosemarie Ritson. For many of us, our family included, Rosemarie will always be remembered as the woman with the smiling face who sat behind the  front counter of the Chamber of Commerce office, bursting with ideas and suggestions of how to enhance our vacation time here in Schroon.

She was a fiercely proud daughter of Schroon Lake, knew everybody, and took an enormous amount of pride in everything she did for the chamber. I’m guessing she must have greeted hundreds of thousands of folks over the years.

I met Rosemarie in the summer of 2006, and from day one she left an indelible impression on me.  When God made Rosemary, he or she broke the mold.

When I asked what her favorite restaurant was in town, she told me she couldn’t tell me, because it would show favoritism, and the chamber was not about that.  She did say they “were all worth trying.” (I later, I found out that she did have a favorite: Pitkin’s!!!)

A few years later, when our status as summer vacationers turned into second home owners, I discovered she and I shared a passion for postcard collecting. I asked Rosemarie how many cards she had in her collection. She told me she couldn’t reveal that “for security reasons”.

A few years back, when SchroonLaker.com was launched, she became an invaluable resource sharing information and contacts. In the off season, when the chamber was open and she was busy way back at her desk mired in paperwork, I’d go back there and chat with her about Schroon, its future, the good old days , life. and family.

She loaned me books about Schroon’s history, but if I ever wanted to know anything about  this area's history, Rosemarie  would have all the answers: connecting  complicated dots to area family trees.  Later, when she moved on and became a volunteer with the Friends of the Schroon Lake Library, I would run into her at their weekly summer book sales. Once again it was that familiar, smile who greeted everyone who entered. I sure will miss that smile.

Please share your memories of Rosemarie in our comments section.

 

RIP: Rosemarie Ritson

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Rosemarie Ritson, a much beloved figure in Schroon Lake, died suddenly on Saturday, April 16, 2016. She was 75.

From her official Obit from The Post-Star:

She is survived by her husband of 56 years James Ritson; four children; James, Melody (John), Scott (Marie), Darren (Carol); three granddaughters, Jillian, Jourdan, and Mellyssa; her three siblings, Jean, Carol, and Charles and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Community service, education and the church were important to Rosemarie and she instilled these values in her children. She utilized her love of Schroon Lake by working for the Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years. Ask her anything about the history of the town and she could tell you when, where and why. Throughout the years, Rosemarie volunteered with the Meals on Wheels, school related events, the 4-H club, and Adult Literacy among other things. She was also a school board member for many years.

A celebration of life will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Schroon Lake from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 22.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials take the form of donations to the Schroon Lake Emergency Squad, Schroon Lake, NY 12870.

For condolences please visit www.edwardlkellyfuneralhome.com.

Schroon's Mark Piper at The Tannery Pond Talent Show Saturday Night

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Tonight at North Creek's Tannery Pond Community Center, Schroon;s own Mark Piper takes the stage at a talent show directed by Jennifer Raymond. Tonight's program, starting at 7pm, features:

Carolyn Bischoff
Three selections to be announced by Carolyn

Clayton and Marko Schmale
"Riptide" 
"Feelin' Groovy"
"Father and Son"

Vincent Cangelosi
"Thank You"
"Black"
"No Surrender"

Dylan Joseph
"Walking on the Sun"
"I Won't Give Up"
"I See Zombies!"

Mark Piper
Original song to be announced by Mark
"When You're Smilin'"
"Sunny Side of the Street"

Jennifer Raymond
Three original songs to be announced by Jen.