BOMBER MEMORIAL

EDITH MAY FAIRWEATHER RIDGEWAY-MEYER-SCHMIDT ~ Class of 1955
February 27, 1937 - February 4, 2012







Edith May Fairweather Ridgeway-Meyer-Schmidt, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend left this earth on February 4, 2012 in Stockton, CA.

Edith May Fairweather was born on February 27, 1937 in Flagstaff, AZ to Frank and Phyllis Fairweather. Her family moved to Richland where she spent her childhood, graduating from Columbia High School in 1955. At age 18, Edith married Jim Ridgeway and moved to Stockton in 1956 where they made their home and raised three daughters. As a young mother, Edith earned a degree in Sociology from SJ Delta College and began her career as a social worker for San Joaquin County and later for the State of Oregon. After retiring from social work, she worked in real estate sales and numerous other areas and was an active member of the Business and Professional Women (BPW), the Stockton Chamber of Commerce and was a graduate of the Leadership Stockton program.

In addition to her career, Edith was an athlete and adventurer. In the 1960s she was a founding member of the Stockton Bicycle Club and was one of the first women in California to participate in the sport of competitive bicycle racing. She was also an avid runner, hiker, wind surfer and cross-country skier. Edith was a patron of the arts, music and theater, and played cello with the Stockton Symphony in the 1960s. Edith was active in Stockton Civic Theater, taking on minor parts in various SCT productions. In recent years she enjoyed season tickets to the Stockton Symphony and supporting local artists and art galleries.

She will be remembered for her enthusiasm, adventurous spirit and her laugh. Edith's distinct laughter was well-known and loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed. Edith's fun-loving, gregarious nature made her the life of the party and drew people to her. Edith made many life-long friendships, which brought her great joy and pride.

In addition to her parents, Edith was preceded in death by her brother, Ralph Fairweather ('64) and her husband, David Schmidt. Also preceding her in death were loving former husbands, Jim Ridgeway and Dennis Meyer.

She leaves many loved ones including sisters Linda Fairweather Piele ('59) and Phyllis Fairweather Bright ('53); daughters Elizabeth Ridgeway, Virginia Ridgeway and Cindy Sousa; and son-in-law Mike Sousa. Also granddaughters Blossom Ruso (David) and Antoinette Juhl (Jens); grandsons, Michael and James; and 11 great grandchildren: Andrew, Marie, Rachel, Anastasia, Colette, Isabella, Elija, Patrick, Sydney, Kayla and Avery; nephew Abrol Fairweather (Michelle) and many other nieces and nephews.

Edith's family would like to thank Dr. George Charos, nurses Jan and Donna and the entire staff at Stockton Cardiology for their loving care.

A celebration of Edith's life is planned--please contact the family for details. Charitable donations can be made to Hospice of San Joaquin.