Theresa Grasso Ritchen

Theresa Grasso Ritchen, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of Francis Edward Ritchen entered into eternal rest Wednesday, October 25, 2017. Her Funeral Service will be held Friday, November 10, 2017 in Grace Church Cathedral, 98 Wentworth Street at 11:00 a.m. Interment, Columbarium. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in Hanahan Hall. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Theresa was born December 17, 1938 in Babylon, New York, daughter of the late Frank Grasso and Angelina Ascoli Grasso. She was a graduate of Hofstra University and Adelphi University. After 30 plus years of teaching music, musical theater and piano in both private and public schools, Theresa retired to South Carolina. She became Director of the TRACE Arts Education Program in the Charleston Tri-County area. This program was the recipient of the Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Award which recognizes outstanding achievement and contributions to the Arts in South Carolina. Theresa inherited a love for gardening from her family. Her dad planted vegetables and fruit trees and her mother grew flowers. Theresa was given an appreciation for all facets of gardening at a very young age. Her floral design experiences started being trained by the Washington Cathedral Flower Guild . Later Theresa attended workshops, lectures and symposiums all of the country. She was the co-chairman of the Grace Church Flower Guild and taught numerous classes in floral design for local garden clubs, churches, community organizations, Charleston Horticulture Society and most recently Master Gardener workshops. She was a an accredited N.G.C. Flower Show Master Judge and Master Gardner. Theresa's involvement in the community was a very important part of her life. She had the privilege of being involved in many organizations including: President of the Council of Garden Clubs of Greater Charleston from 2015-2017, President of The Garden Club of Charleston from 2012-2013, Board Member/The Garden Club of South Carolina from 2011-2013, Design Chairman/East Lowcountry District from 2015-2017, and Member of the South Carolina Judges Club from 2010-2017. Theresa was also a member of the Charleston Symphony Chorus, The Spoleto Festival Chorus, The Grace Church Choir, The Gibbes Museum Women's Council, Charleston Symphony Orchestra League and the Benevolent Society.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Edward; son, William J. Ritchen (Luann) of Fairfax, CA; daughter, Barbara J. Berube (David) of Daniel Island, SC; three grandchildren: Catherine, Timothy and Sarah; and three great-grandchildren: Caden, Noah and Jonathon.

Memorials may be made to Grace Church Cathedral Music Scholarship Fund or Flower Guild both at 98 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401 or to Roper Hospice, 1483 Tobias Gadsson Blvd, Suite 208 A, Charleston, SC 29407.