Matilda W. Ripley
June 13, 1920 - October 12, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - Matilda Mae “Tillie” Ripley passed away on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, at Capitol Lakes Terraces. She was born over 100 years ago on June 13, 1920, to Hazel (Lyons) and Bryce Winder in Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, she spent her lifelong careers dedicated to the care and enhancement of early childhood education in preschool teaching, programming, and licensing. She married G. Birch Ripley in 1947. Together they enjoyed music, art, and traveling for 48 years living in NYC, Cleveland, and Des Plaines, Ill.
Armed with maps and grid system knowledge she drove all over Chicagoland, licensing daycare centers. After Birch’s death, Tillie moved to Madison to be near daughter Susan and grandchildren. Ever independent, she explored Madison, participating in University classes, community events, music, art, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. She loved connecting with people from all walks of life. Her pursuit of justice, equality, and the meaning of Life was part of her Being, as seen in her eclectic library. She took civil liberties very seriously and voted at every opportunity.
Tillie was preceded in death by her two younger brothers, Daniel and Robert; husband, Birch; grandson, Erik Christensen; and son-in-law, Kurt Christensen. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Christensen, Madison; and grandson, Kevin and wife Brittany, Cudahy.
A Zoom memorial gathering will be held from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020. To join Zoom Meeting go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84105483065?pwd=R2ZCQU1IVlpjU25OM0JTWUhxdnl0dz09 Meeting ID: 841 0548 3065 Passcode: Matilda
Inurnment will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Arlington Heights, Ill. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Tillie was a transcendent monument to a lifelong journey of open-mindedness, curiosity of all things, and unending compassion for others. One of her final messages to the world: “Keep your eyes wide open and on the path of Love.”
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002
Events
Memorial Gathering
Mon Nov 2, 2020 @ 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM CDT
Lake Accotink Park • 5660 Hemming Ave, Springfield, VA 22151
Photos
No photos of Matilda have been shared yet.
Memories
LP
Leanne Puglielli
Other •
Tillie was a good friend. We regularly had lunch or dinner together as she had books she wanted me to read and discuss. We discussed a wide range of topics, but her first love was the LG and religion. We had hours and hours and hours of great conversation. Once the pandemic hit, I would walk by Capital lakes, look up at what I thought was her room, and wish her well. I loved her.
P
Paul
Other •
Tillie was a joy to know. She loved life, enjoying music and intellectual discussions. She acted on her convictions and spoke up for those around her who were vulnerable. I so regret losing the last few months of contact because of the Covid19 pandemic and I know it was a great burden for her, too.
KD
Kristin Dahlstrom
Other •
Please accept my sympathy. As a members of St. Martins we enjoyed worshiping with your parents. For years I sang in the choir with them. We were all saddened when your Dad died and missed your mom very much after she moved to Madison. Thank you for making her life so happy. Tillie was a joy and a privilege to know. Kristin Dahlstrom Kristin Dahlstrom
KI
Kathy Isaacks
Other •
I was not fortunate enough to know Tillie, nor anyone in your family. I'm the administrator at St. Martin's Episcopal in Des Plaines. I watched the Memorial Service today and just wanted to say your Tillie must have been one phenomenal woman! I know that she has risen in Glory with all the angels in heaven. God bless.