We Remember

TONN, Erica “Ricci” (née Fichtner)
May 14, 1954 — October 27, 2024
Erica “Ricci” Tonn (née Fichtner) left this earth and is now in the presence of her risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after having fought a courageous battle with cancer. Ricci passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024 surrounded by the love of her children and husband.
Ricci was born in Victoria, B.C., on May 14, 1954, the only child of Bert and Beatrice Fichtner. Shortly after her birth, the young family moved back to Prince George, B.C., their former home. Ricci’s childhood and adolescent years were filled with a great deal of adventure. She embraced life with much joy and laughter.
She attended Fort George Baptist church, was baptized early in her life, and served faithfully in her church. She was a fun-loving child and made many friends that have lasted throughout her life. Ricci met her husband, Ed Tonn, in Kelowna while vacationing at her grandparents’ home. She spent many summers enjoying the beautiful waters of Okanagan Lake in the mission area.
Ed and Ricci were married on July 7, 1979 and resided in Peachland, B.C. for a number of years. Ricci began her career in real estate with Century 21, Westside Realty and enjoyed relationships with many clients over the years.
When her two sons were born, Ricci left her career as a sales associate to focus her energies on raising her children and providing a Christ centred home. One of her greatest joys in life was motherhood, which she embraced with a great deal of enthusiasm. The family then moved to Lakeview Heights in West Kelowna. Ed and Ricci lived in the Kelowna area until 2017, then moving to the 108 Mile Ranch in the Cariboo.
Ricci enjoyed the beauty of the Cariboo and found solace on the many lakes that the area had to offer. She was an avid fly fisher. The move to the Cariboo was a bucket list adventure after her retirement from her retail business in Peachland. She lived in 108 Mile Ranch until her passing.
Ricci’s life was defined by her love for people and service to her family, her friends, her church, and her community. She had a generous spirit and compassion for those in need. She was a gracious host and her home was always open to many friends and family for good food, fellowship, and laughter. Even her diagnosis of cancer and the long period of suffering did not dim her joyous laughter and her loving spirit. She remained an example of grace and dignity as she battled her disease.
Ricci’s memory will be cherished by her husband of 45 years, Ed; her children, Landen (Jessica) and Kalem (Larissa); as well by her dearly loved grandchild, Harber. She is also lovingly remembered by her aunts and uncles, many cousins and a great many friends. She was predeceased by her parents.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the many people that helped Ricci through her difficult journey. Thank you to Dr. Paul Clarkson at VGH/UBC and his staff, Dr. Islam Mohamed and Dr. Peter Andrew at B.C. Cancer in Kelowna, Dr. P.J. Retief and Dr. Adrienne Montgomery in 100 Mile House, Dr. Daniel Ruttle, and the many amazing nurses and caregivers that lovingly cared for Ricci during a challenging time.
Ricci faced her cancer journey with grace and dignity, and she will be remembered for the phrase, “Bless your heart,” generously spoken to all who attended to her care.
Ricci’s absence in this world is heaven’s gain.
A Celebration of Life will be held on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024, AT 1:00 P.M. AT SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME located at 2020 Springfield Road in Kelowna, B.C. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to B.C. Cancer or to The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 1:00 PM
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
Service Information
Service Details
The service for TONN, Erica “Ricci” (née Fichtner) is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Our family met Bert, Beatrice, and Ricci in the 1970’s at Fichtner Shoes in Prince George, We also became neighbors in Prince George. We did cross paths years later in Kelowna. We always enjoyed our chats. My Heart goes out to the Family at this time. Dave Jaggers
Our deepest condolences to you Ed, Landen, Kalem and families.
Praying you feel God’s love and comfort surrounding you at all times. Ricci was the absolute best of friends in so many ways and we will miss her so much.
Marilyn and Ken Bartel
Ricci was like a 2nd mom to me growing up. I spent a.lot of time at the various Tonn residences and she was always extremely welcoming. She made the best chicken noodle soup. She was a hard worker and you could tell she loved the Lord. She is with Jesus now and I look forward to seeing her again in glory. ~Travis
Dear Ed and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ricci was such a special person. I enjoyed spending time with her as a teenager, and still did now as a senior. Cherish all your memories of her, they will help you through the days now and into the future.
Dear Ed and family. Our deepest condolences to you, so sorry for your loss. We have so many wonderful memories of Ricci, mostly from church and family gatherings. There was always something entertaining going on when Ricci was involved, from her love of music, to driving way too fast in her bug, to goofy skits and light hearted fun, all of them involved laughter. She really was a bright light, who found joy in life, creating and sharing that joy with those lucky enough to spend time with her. She loved her family and friends, she will be missed but forever in our hearts. I often think back to when she met the love of her life, Ed, there was always reference or giggles to the words of Topogigio, to Ed, as the Ed Sullivan Show closed another episode… ‘Eddie, kiss me goodnight.’ May our Heavenly Father bless you, giving you peace that passes all understanding as you remember and celebrate Ricci’s life.
Love and hugs,
Lana, on behalf of Harry, Doris, Regan and family
Dear Family and friends of Ricci. I am an old fiend of Riccis that went to junior and high school together and graduated the same year. We also attended Fort George Baptist Church together. I was also a bridesmaid in Ricci and Ed’s wedding. We enjoyed fishing with her dad, camping and just hanging out together. I have special memories of our times together. Although I live in Wisconsin , we would check in on our birthdays. We were only a few months apart in age. I wish I could be there to say good-bye, but I know we will meet again. We are sisters in Christ and I am thankful for our times together as friends. God bless Ed and boys as well as her extended family and friends. Bernie Listener
Mr. Tonn, Landen, Kalem and families,
Hospitality, humour, generosity, and kindness were trademarks of your home and Mrs. Tonn was the center of that beautiful space. I feel so blessed for all the times I got to spend there with you all. Sending big hugs,
Lisa
Dear Ed and family. We want you to know how we think and pray for you now and forever. We feel so honored and Blessed to have played with your bouncy and enthusiastic Ricci at our church in 100 Mile. We so loved our times together getting to know and appreciate Ricci and you Ed. May the Lord be with you always and I know Ricci will be remembered always in our hearts and yours. Love and prayers .
To Ed, Landen, Kalem and families, My heart goes out to you in this loss. I am comforted in knowing I will hear that infectious laugh again. I grew up in Prince George and was best buds with Ricci from grade 10 through 12. In high school, you always knew when Ricci was in the cafeteria. Her laugh would echo off the walls. Many good memories of hanging out, camping, sneaking into the drive in theatre through the hole in the fence with Kentucky fried chicken.
I think there will still be mischief and practical jokes in heaven, and Ricci will be in the middle of it!