"Dorothea was one of the most generous persons I have ever known. I feel very privileged to have been close to her for the past 20 years not only because we shared two granddaughters but because she was my friend. I miss her and she will always be in my heart."
In loving memory of
Dorothea Ritter
August 17, 1928 - January 30, 2011
Dorothea Helen Elsener Ritter was born on August 17th, 1928 in Mount Kisco, New York, she passed away on January 30th, 2011 at 82 years old in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
She lived in Ridgefield Connecticut until she was 6 years old and her family wintered in Miami Beach where both of her parents were real estate salespeople. She attended Coral Gables Elementary for the first grade and then the Cushman School from grade 2 through the 10th grade. She went to Miami Beach High School for the 11th grade and graduated from St. Patrick’s on Miami Beach. In high school she worked serving coffee and doughnuts to returning service men at the Miami Beach Serviceman’s Pier.
After high school, she worked as a cashier at the Sheraton Theater on Lincoln Road where she met her first husband, Carl. She worked as a court reporter for her Aunt Helen’s husband, Judge Earl Curry. In 1955 she married Jim Harrison and had her first son, Jimmie, in 1959. In 1967 she married Jack Ritter and had her second son, Coley. She and Jack owned and operated North Perry aviation at North Perry Airport in Hollywood, FL. In 1971 they sold that business and opened the Macon County airport in Franklin, NC. Then they bought the Brevard Airport in Brevard, NC and finally in 1975 they built a private airport in Mills River, NC.
In 1999 they moved back to Florida buying a house in Fort Lauderdale near her son Jimmie’s family.
She loved to fly. She was not only a pilot but also an instructor. She took every opportunity to fly that she could. In the past year alone she flew in the Good Year Blimp, a WWII B-25, a float plane in Alaska, a helicopter to a glacier in Alaska, a small plane over Provincetown, Cape Cod and many flights with her Grass Hopper’s and 99’s friends. She loved to travel and among the many places she visited, besides the USA were; England, France, Italy, Egypt, Japan, Switzerland, Ireland and Germany.
She loved cats. Since she was a little girl, she always had a cat. Her favorite cat was Taboo who made the move from North Carolina to Florida with her. She also loved her most recent cat, Bunny Rabbit.
In North Carolina she became very involved with gardening and became a certified landscape designer and well as involved in the garden club.
She was an active member of the P.E.O.’s, Coral Ridge Yacht Club, The Grasshoppers, the 99’s and the Chopin Society. She enjoyed playing Bridge and socializing.
She was a beautiful lady and always looked perfect. She was; Smart, Organized, sophisticated, Very neat and clean, had great business sense, Elegant, Appreciated beautiful things, always had a smile and had many friends.
Her life was full and well lived. Her favorite advice was; Carpe Diem
She is survived by her son Jimmie Harrison, his wife Isabelle Harrison, her grandchildren Martine & Christie Harrison and her step daughter Linda Sullivan.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to;
Abandoned Pet Rescue, 1137 NE 9 Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-728-9010 apr.rescuegroups.com
There will be a memorial service Saturday morning February 12th at Fred Hunter’s 718 South Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Visitation from 9 to 10am with a service at 10am. Immediately following there will be a reception at her home.
Tributes
"Dorothea was a lover of Chopin's music and was involved as a member of the Foundation for many years. She will be greatly missed."
"I loved Dorthea for her warm smile and impecable appearance. She, also, had a warm and soft voice when she spoke which made everyone with whom she spoke feel special. She was an elegant and classy lady. She will be missed here at CRYC. With deepest symphathy, Marty Wetzel"