Myrtle Christine Brighty (nee Ridley)
December 27, 1924 – July 17, 2024
Well, I made it into my 100th year! Life has been a cornucopia of aspirations, joys and challenges.
Born in Stratford, England, (no, I did not meet Shakespeare) my parents were Florence and Frederick Ridley and my sister Shirley followed soon behind.
As a typical first born, I was driven to excel. Swimming for the Olympics was my plan until WWII broke out and that choice was dashed. I did settle for winning a beauty pageant in my late teens. I studied business becoming a comptometer, a skill which served me well for many years.
At fifteen, I had met Ronald Brighty, the love of my life. He joined the Royal Air Force, eventually becoming an aeronautical engineer. My memory box contains hundreds of his wartime love letters. After the war, Ron and I were married and eventually moved to Canada so Ron could take the position of a Chief Engineer at Avro Aircraft creating the Arrow airplane. Unfortunately, the amazing Avro ended up in Lake Ontario by the powers that be…and that was that.
With a love for felines, I initiated the first cat rescue/retreat in the Toronto area, harbouring hundreds of cats over many years. In later years, we moved to Tottenham into a lovely solar-powered home designed by Ron.
While not blessed with children, and having a keen interest in adventure, we travelled to numerous unique destinations, enjoying thousands of enlightening conversations with many new friends and family.
Ron passed away in 2011 and I moved into Kingsmere Retirement Living where I became involved with projects such as fighting against a destructive gravel pit to collecting “Shoes For Haiti”, literally removing said shoes from peoples’ feet if need be!
Having recently moved to the Good Samaritan Long Term Care Residence, I thought about who I will miss: my niece Cherry and her husband David and family living in England, my “adopted daughters” Anne and Janet and so many delightful and kind-hearted friends both old and new.
Now at this point, where will my next adventure take me? Ah, yet another challenge, no time to be bored. I will miss all of you and look forward to our future reunion.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Carol Fraser says
What a joy Myrtle was to have as a friend. We went on many trips together when she was attending Christ Church Anglican. We went to Fred Victor Mission in Toronto and Cullen Garden Miniature Village and to Niagara in the spring to see the flowers and Butterfly Pavillion and she and Ron and I went to Canada’s Wonderland because my sons worked there and we got a free pass. We didn’t miss a ride. They helped out at our Christian Day Camp at the Tottenham Pond for 2 weeks every summer. Myrtle could get lost going to the bathroom, and yet when she and Ron were in Washington D.C. and he finally got lost, she guided him back to the hotel to his surprise. Rest in peace you dear sweet lady.
Debbie says
From: Debbie
To: The Brighty family.
I remember Mr. & Mrs. Brighty very well. With condolences Ito the Brighty family I am sorry for your loss. God be with you all at this difficult time.
Sally Whitney says
Myrtle, we were friends for much too short a time at Good Sam’s in Alliston. Loved your stories & sense of humour. We miss you
Thank you for sharing your good friends, Janet & Anne with us.
Sally
Janine (Hadwen) Auchincloss says
My mother (Beryl Hadwen) and Myrtle were table mates for meals. They had many laughs, discussions and conversations about Kingsmere. Myrtle was kind enough to loan mom “This England” to read cover to cover.
On May 3rd this year when mom moved to Barrieview, Myrtle had tears in her eyes and when mom heard that Myrtle moved to the Good Sam, mom had tears in her eyes.
As a visitor to Kingsmere, Myrtle always was smiling and said Hello to me when i came to see mom.
Myrtle was one in a million and will be missed.
Pat Skelly says
I just heard about Myrtle. My sincere condolences to Janet & all of her family.
I met Myrtle at Kingsmere Retirement Residences. My dad, Adam Stevenson, lived there too for many years. After my mum died in 2015, he & Myrtle spent every Saturday night together at the movie theatre. They both loved musicals and listening/watching performers such as Andre Rieu & Andre Bocelli. My dad was about 5 years older than Myrtle & she always was wonderful in looking out for him. Any time I was there for a visit, she would follow up with me with the most recent update or if she hadn’t seen him, ask me was he okay. I remember Myrtle participated in many Kingsmere events, encouraging my dad to join her too. She walked every day around the pond, watched what she ate & drank, health being extremely important, but always had time for ice cream, which she thoroughly enjoyed. We often talked about her life in England & in Tottenham, horses, cats & the special house she had with her husband. I enjoyed her sense of humour, always quick to have a good laugh.
I was so sad to hear that Myrtle passed but glad she lived a long & full life. I am blessed to have known Myrtle, she was a very special lady.
Tracy Horne says
I knew Ron and Myrtle from helping Nancy Williams start up the Arthritis Group in Alliston in and around September 1997 or 1998. (a long time ago, any way you look at it!) Ron and Myrtle were a couple of the first joiners. We would have some local professionals come in to speak about pitfalls and what to look for, doctors in our area to help you etc. We did have a gentleman come from NewMarket to do chair exercises to help with mobility, and Myrtle told me she did not want to exercise right now, but she would keep it all in her head for later. We had great times with our group and Ron and Myrtle were there for almost every meeting. As we got even older, our group turned into a visit with lunch, and we always ended up at Swiss Chalet. Ron, ever the gentleman would also order for Myrtle, who never looked at a menu. One lunch that stands out in my mind…Ron wanted to pay with some of the paper money from one of his many collections, and he gave our server, some $2.00 bills. She did not believe there every $2.00 bills and had to take them back to her manager. She came back just stunned and said she had to take them. After Ron gave her the history of Canadian money speech, we were all laughing! Nancy and I spent a lot of time with them, and loved every second we had with them. I miss Nancy, and Ron and Myrtle, they were all good people, who were loved very much.
Jeannette Ferrie says
Myrtle I met you a few times & always found you such a bright sweet Lady. I just love how you wrote your own Obituary. Shows your wonderful sense of humour.
I’m sure Ron was waiting for you with open arms, as you arrived upstairs. The last time I spoke to you it was nice to hear that you enjoyed your time at Kingsmere. RIP . I’m sure your next adventure will not be boring!!!!
Amanda Ranby psw says
I new Myrtle and Ron I used to take care of Myrtle when she lived in her house before going to kingsmeer Retirement Home in Alliston she was a sweet Lady and she belonged to the Historical society RIP Myrtle. Amanda Ranby psw
Michele Tomlinson says
It was a pleasure to be your neighbor for 25 years, our sons enjoyed Ron’s “stories” and remember with fond memories stacking the endless supply of wood in your garage.
Rest in Peace Myrtle
The Tomlinson Family