Ada Jean Ducker (née Murdoch)
In loving memory of Ada Jean Ducker (née Murdoch). Born in Cleveland, Ohio, November 5, 1925 to William and Isabel McKilligan Murdoch (née Grant), Scottish immigrants. Sadly missed by daughters Heather (Donald) and Pamela, grandchildren Kevin (Jenna) and Leslie and precious great granddaughter Alexandra Isabelle and brother-in-law John. Predeceased by her beloved husband Raymond and sister-in-law Coral.
Ada’s family moved to Winnipeg when she was 2 years old. She grew up with supportive family and friends in the close-knit community of St. Vital. She proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics from the University of Manitoba in 1948. She pursued further study in hospital dietetics at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Hines, Illinois. She returned to Winnipeg to hold the position of Head Dietician at Grace Hospital.
Ada met Raymond on the streetcar while they were both commuting to university. They married during the Winnipeg flood in 1950. They immediately moved to Toronto to pursue their careers.
Lady Eaton had a new vision for the store’s dining rooms. She specified, “the utmost importance is attached to the quality of the food…and the skill of expert dieticians will combine in providing a menu attractive, well balanced and perfectly presented”. Ada was an ideal fit for such a position at The Round Room, Eaton’s College Street, Toronto.
Ada left the workforce to raise “the girls” and to support Raymond in his career as an engineer in various cities in Ontario, Syracuse, New York State and Vancouver. Along the way they met many wonderful friends; first and foremost, the Prescott family where “JB” always led the way.
In 1974, at the age of 49, Ada decided to pursue a professional teaching certificate at UBC. She taught commercial foods at Carson Graham Senior Secondary School in North Vancouver until retirement in 1980. Her greatest satisfaction was providing young people, who were otherwise struggling, with a sense of accomplishment.
Ada and Raymond pursued their dream of a home on the ocean when they retired to Qualicum Beach. Daughter Pam designed their home to take advantage of the stunning view from Burnham Road. They served the community through the Qualicum Beach Historical and Museum Society and the St. Mark’s Anglican Church 75th Anniversary Celebration. Kevin and Leslie have wonderful memories of summer visits with friends at Grandma’s making blackberry jam, visiting the “goat market” and playing golf.
In her later years, Ada faced many health challenges, including leg amputation, with the same determination shown in her earlier years. She enjoyed 5 years at The Gardens in Qualicum Beach in her own lovely condominium. Her outgoing personality and interest in people served her well as she made new friends.
Many thanks to Ada’s devoted caregivers Pat and Kath, special helpers Peter, Kathy and Sue, the wonderful staff at The Gardens, the kind service people in the community, Dr. P. Bartlett and Rev. Phil Spencer.
Ada’s graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, May 28 at Qualicum Beach Cemetery. Reception to follow at 2:00 pm at The Gardens.
Memorial donations to St. Stephen’s United Church are welcomed for those who wish to do so.
150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach, B.C., V9K 1L1.
“Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in the heart.”
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesfuneral.ca
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM (250-248-5859) in care of arrangements.