Remembering Janie Richie

I am sorry to report that long time United Train of Artillery member, former Continental Line Treasurer, and New England Patriots End Zone Militia member Janie Ritchie passed away on May 31, 2021.

It is always hard to write a tribute to a departed friend, this one was especially tough. Janie Ritchie was always a special joy in my life and many of my friends. I remember Eric Chetwynd and I along with Michael Thompson working on the event, the Battle of Barkers Field with our leader Jim Hayden (rip). This was an emotional weekend for me as my father had just had a heart attack but I could not see him in the hospital so I continued working in the event. Janie arraigned for the event but for various reasons there was a lot of tension. We put on a great show and we discovered a new lifelong friend. (Never judge a book by its cover, and you never know who will become a lifelong friend.) Some of my favorite stories occurred with her running through the border checkpoint on her way to a Quebec City event and being stopped by the Mounties, watching the Patriots best the Jets in the end zone, and (18 months ago) walking off the battlefield with her at St. Jean with my son Henry. Janie was the type of person that made you appreciate the small things in life and feel good as she shared her good cheer and optimism. I feel blessed that I could share part of my life with her. Rest in Peace my friend. -Seán Kelleher (2nd Mass)

The members of Colonel John Bailey’s 2nd Massachusetts Regiment are in mourning with the passing of our very close friend, Janie RichieJanie was a long time reenactor from the North Andover, MA and was active in the 1st New Hampshire, United Train of Artillery and the End Zone Militia. Many of the members had such fond memories of her and her stories. We worked with her extremely closely at the Battle of Barkers Field for the 350 anniversary of North Andover. Her joyful stories of her trips to Quebec province for the various events we cohosted were priceless. We appreciate their friendship and wish to offer our condolences to their families and friends. Her memories will always be in our heart and will bring a smile to our faces.We enjoy singing around the camp fire and at times like this we raise a toast to a bygone friends…

The Parting Glass
Oh all the money that e’er I spent
I spent it in good company
And all the harm that e’er I’ve done
Alas, it was to none but me
And all I’ve done for want of wit
To memory now I can’t recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Oh all the comrades that e’er I’ve had
Are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e’er I’ve had
Would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I’ll gently rise and I’ll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all
Good night and joy be with you all.

2nd Massachusetts Regiment – Recreated