Una Lynette Ridley
1933 - 2026
UNA RIDLEY began her nursing career in Jamaica before immigrating to England and then to Canada in 1959.
She went on to obtain her baccalaureate and master’s degrees before holding several senior leadership positions in nursing education across Canada, culminating in her appointment as Dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan, where she supported the establishment of the University’s Nursing Research Unit. In 1987, she became Dean of the then School of Nursing at the University of Lethbridge. During her tenure, she oversaw the expansion of the School of Nursing into the School of Health Sciences The programs expanded educational opportunities through a collaborative baccalaureate nursing program with Medicine Hat College and Lethbridge Community College and she led the development of Canada’s first baccalaureate program in Addictions Counselling. Upon her retirement, she was awarded Dean Emeriti, and the University later established the annual Una Ridley Lecture in recognition of her contributions.
Among her many honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, Una was the first black president of the Council of the College of Nurses of Ontario and a trailblazer for black women in healthcare leadership.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Una was an avid and talented weaver and quilter, a gifted cook, and a gracious hostess. She travelled extensively, both for pleasure and in her roles as a visiting professor, conference presenter, and academic leader. Articulate and engaging, she delighted friends and colleagues with stories of her travels and people she had engaged with throughout her career.
Since 2021, Una resided at St. Therese Villa in Lethbridge, Alberta. A heartfelt thanks to Nita, Vee, and Mew among others for the companionship, care, and love they shared with Una. Thank you to the staff of N1 MCU for their compassionate support and to the administration at St. Therese Villa. A special acknowledgment is extended to Darlene, whose dedication as Una’s guardian and advocate ensured that she received the care, support, dignity, and respect she deserved throughout her later years.
Una was predeceased by her husband, James Trebble. Her surviving family Simone, Leon, Betty, Karen, Michael, and Dawn, will gather for a private remembrance of her life. Una will be remembered by her many friends and former colleagues, for her wisdom, warmth, humour, and hospitality.
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I was a faculty member at the University of Saskatchewan when Una was appointed Dean. She taught me that there are as many perspectives on an issue as there are people because each of us think differently, noticing and prioritizing different aspects of a situation. It was an important lesson.