Ritcey-DiMatteo, Jennifer

It is with great sadness the family of Jennifer Lin Ritcey-DiMatteo announces her passing after a brief illness, on Saturday, January 11th, at the age of 36 in Mississauga, Ontario surrounded by family.

Jennifer will be deeply missed by her husband, Michael DiMatteo, Mississauga; mother Joanne (Greg), Truro; sister Lisa (Nathan), Fall River; brother Ryan, Arizona; nephews Jaxson and MacKenzie, Fall River; dear friends Heather, Cam, and Gavin; as well as, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her loving in-laws Carmen, Johnny, Lori, and Steven all from Toronto. She is pre-deceased by her father, Kirk Ritcey; grandparents, GC and Mary Ritcey; grandparents, Joan and Buddy Sharpe; uncle, Jed Ritcey; and father in law, Sam DiMatteo.

Born and raised in Truro, Nova Scotia, she graduated from Cobequid Educational Centre in 2001. She continued her education and graduated from both the NSCC and Brenda’s Academy of Professional Dog Grooming. Jennifer was a successful businesswoman in Vancouver and Toronto where her canine clients and their owners became an extended part of her family. Jennifer was a well-liked, kind, and generous person. Her smile and witty sense of humor always brightened up the room.  Jennifer  cared deeply for her family and will be remembered as someone who put others before herself. She was a true animal lover and spent many happy days with her dogs Macky, Molly, Kilo, and Grizzly.

A celebration of life will be held in Jennifer’s memory on Wednesday, January 15th from 6 pm until 8 pm in Mississauga at The Waterside Inn. Flowers may be sent to The Waterside Inn or memorial donations in Jennifer’s name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a local SPCA.

Jennifer will be interred with a private burial service at Old Barns Cemetery in Nova Scotia in the spring.

20 replies
  1. Dave&Gen
    Dave&Gen says:

    We were former clients of Jenn’s a while ago and were looking forward to reconnecting. We are shocked to hear she passed. Deep condolences to her family. She was a beautiful person.

    Reply
  2. Sherrie Higgins
    Sherrie Higgins says:

    OMG ? I just found out now that Jennifer ?? had passed away!
    I am so upset and saddened to hear this ?… she was such an amazing, wonderful & gentle soul.?
    We all loved her ?and the way she took care of our dogs!
    My Louis just loved giving her kisses ?cause he knew he would get treats!!?
    ? God Bless her family,
    My deepest condolences …. I am so very sorry ?

    Reply
  3. Cheryl Poirier
    Cheryl Poirier says:

    Jennifer was also a very spiritual woman and had taken the time to educate herself on what the bible teaches when she lived in Vancouver , she had a strong belief in a future paradise where she will see her father again . She loved deeply and had an intensity that we found so endearing to her warm and generous personality . She meant so much to my husband and I . We had a lot in common because our love for dogs and grooming and spiritual thirst for knowledge ..
    Most importantly knowing she had peace the last time we saw her on our trip to Ontario makes me feel so blessed to know we will see her again as she feel asleep in death in Jehovah Gods memory awaiting her resurrection. John 5:28-29
    Our thoughts are with Jennifer’s husband Mike and her mother Joanne and all the family 7BF0D390-C154-494E-A366-8BD6B4A62223.JPG
    Warm Love Cheryl Poirier

    Reply
  4. Steve Snowdon
    Steve Snowdon says:

    Jenny
    Old memories of high school flooding back. Your ornament will always be on our Christmas tree. Back then mom always wanted me to call you over, you were her favourite one of the girls who came around. Were going to miss you.

    Reply
  5. Rose
    Rose says:

    My deepest condolences to Michael and Jen’s family. I am a friend of hers from NB. We worked together at Hair Off The Dog. She became a true friend and I will miss seeing all her post of sweet puppy clients. I know Mackie met her on the. Rainbow Bridge ! My thoughts are with you all ❤️

    Reply
  6. Pat Bodrogi
    Pat Bodrogi says:

    Jenn was a wonderful woman with an amazing friendly smile. I truly enjoyed our chats and many laughs. She groomed my dog Maclaughlan ( Mac) to perfection. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family. You are in my thoughts. I am going to send a donation to the SPCA in her memory.

    Reply
  7. Sunita
    Sunita says:

    Jenn, was an amazing, beautiful soul. We connected instantly when I first started to use her services for Mr. Bentley. It did not take long until we became a good friends. She always listened to all of my life’s stories with compassion and non judgement. A beautiful smile, a sharp wit and a generous heart are just only a few of the words I can use to describe her. Bentley and I will miss her so much. Always love

    Reply
  8. Linda Carozza
    Linda Carozza says:

    Jenn was a kind-hearted woman. We didn’t think of her as just our groomer; she was an extension of our family. Going to Jenn’s shop was always more than a drop-off or pick-up of Mr. Ivan (how she addressed my dog, Ivan). It’s when we swapped stories about tv shows, work, travel, life, and if there was room we talked about the grooming part too 🙂 My deepest condolences to all her loved ones. Jenn was a beautiful person, who left an impression on Mr. Ivan and me that we will never forget. She’s irreplaceable, and she will be missed. RIP sweet Jenn.

    Reply
  9. Raya and Claudia Shadursky
    Raya and Claudia Shadursky says:

    Jennifer will always be the gentle soul in our memories. Her kindness extended to all the animals she cared for. Our deepest condolences to all but know her life was a blessing and her memories will continue within each one of you.

    Reply
  10. Lori Steinberg
    Lori Steinberg says:

    Daisy and I will miss Jennifer so much. Jennifer was such and kind and gentle soul with so much love to share. She was also an exceptional groomer and independent business owner who took great pride in her worked. She always took such good care of Daisy and all of her clientele. I remember fondly my many conversations with Jennifer. She was truly a wonderful human being. My deepest condolences to Jennifer’s family ❤️

    Reply
  11. Debbie Townsend
    Debbie Townsend says:

    I am so sorry to hear of Jennifer’s passing.
    My thoughts go out to you, Joanne, Lisa, Ryan and family.
    Thinking of you.
    Debbie Townsend

    Reply
  12. Jan Parker
    Jan Parker says:

    So very sorry for your terrible loss Joanne. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
    Hugs from Jan, Gordie and Tanya Parker

    Reply
  13. Valerie and Deverne Rushton
    Valerie and Deverne Rushton says:

    So sorry to hear about Jenny. She was our former neighbour when our girls were little. She was a sweetie for sure. I can still see the little Jenny in her photo. Hugs and kisses Joanne and Family.

    Reply
  14. Oja family Francis, Bob & Sushi
    Oja family Francis, Bob & Sushi says:

    I’m so sad to hear of Jen’s passing
    My condolences to you all… I always thought of Jen as a kind and gentle soul…

    Reply

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