Passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Huronview Home for the Aged in her 86th year. Cherished mother of Gerard (Rosemary) Ducharme, Judy (Frank) Van Aaken, Michael (Vicki) Ducharme, Dan (Sylvia) Ducharme, and Charlie (Tammy) Ducharme. Proud Mémé to Shaun, Derek, and Kevin Ducharme; Sarah, Matthew, Michael, and Stephen Van Aaken; Corey, Brent, and Kristofer Ducharme; Nicholas, Cody (2009), and Brady Ducharme; Sonya and Michael Donovan; and Cameron and Emma Ducharme. Loving Great-Mémé to 18. Dear sister of Veronica, Theresa, Helene, Donna, George, Paul, Dianne, Darlene, and Bernadette. She will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, Matthew Ducharme (1993); her parents, Paul and Violet Ducharme; and her siblings, Edsel, Ted, Marie, Uleen, Elva, and Sarah. Also predeceased by several brothers- and sisters-in-law, as well as her special friend, Josef Risi.
Martha Patristia Risi grew up in the Zurich area, where she and her husband, Matthew, built a life together centred around their family, farming, and the values that mattered most to them: love, faith, generosity and hard work.
She dedicated much of her working life to Blue Water Rest Home, where she cared for others with compassion, kindness, and a genuine love for people. To know Martha was to know warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. She had an unforgettable, infectious laugh that could brighten any room, and her vibrant personality was reflected in the bright colours she loved to wear and the lipstick she never left home without. She was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith and was an active member of her parish and community throughout her life. Above all else, Martha’s greatest pride was her family. She celebrated every milestone, treasured every visit, and made each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren feel deeply loved. Her home and her heart were always open, and the memories she created with those she loved will be cherished forever. Though she will be deeply missed, Martha’s love, laughter, unwavering faith, and the legacy of family she leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Martha and her family were blessed by the many caring people who supported her over the years. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Huronview Home for the Aged, Dr. Patel, and the Dr.’s and staff at LHSC who played a part in her care. Their kindness, compassion, and friendship meant so much to Martha and her family and will always be remembered with appreciation.
Visitation will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 22 Mary Street, Zurich on Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM, where the memorial mass will be held at 11 AM. Cremation with interment at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, St. Joseph. Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting the Lake Huron Catholic Family of Parishes Youtube Page.
With gratitude, the family encourages those who wish to honour Martha’s memory to consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity that holds special meaning to you.
