Deidra Lea Tidwell-Ratchford
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Deidra's obituary
Deidra Lea Tidwell-Ratchford
September 25, 1962 – June 3, 2022
Deidra Tidwell- Ratchford of Stamford CT passed away unexpectedly in Bermuda on June 3, 2022 at the age of 59.
Deidra was born to Freddy and Mary Tidwell on September 25, 1962, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Growing up in a military family, Deidra moved extensively, residing in Florida, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Mexico, Bermuda, and Texas. Deidra graduated from South San West Campus high school in San Antonio, TX with high honors. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Mensa gifted program, Van Courtlandt debutante and numerous other organizations and clubs. Upon graduation, she received a Presidential Merit Scholarship and attended Texas A&M University where she was a proud Aggie and earned her bachelor’s degree in Corporate Management and Human Resources while participating in SCONA and Student Government.
Throughout her career Deidra held various corporate positions in Human Resources, Banking, Management, and Finance. At the time of her death, Deidra was a distinguished Financial Advisor for Fidelity Investments in Stamford, Connecticut. She held various positions at The Vanguard Group, Merrill Lynch, and Fidelity Investments. She achieved the SHRM-SCP certification, CRPC, Series 7, Series 63 and Series 66 Uniform Securities Agent licenses. Her expertise and genuine concern for people contributed to her successful career and the development of lifelong friendships.
Deidra and Cathy Ratchford were married on November 30, 2013 in Napa Valley CA. Deidra’s greatest joy was being with Cathy, her beautiful dogs Carrie, Roxie, Lily and Ginger and with family and friends. Deidra enjoyed traveling and was an avid foodie, excellent cook, wine connoisseur, who enjoyed experiencing different cultures. She was a true chef who loved to entertain and share her creative dishes with family and friends. She was an avid lifelong learner who enjoyed the theater, museums, sports, decorating, playing games, nature hikes, shopping for a deal, and spa days.
Deidra loved unconditionally and embraced everyone she met. She poured her soul into ensuring the family stayed connected. Her lyrical laughter and beautiful smile instantly lifted your spirit. She always saw the best in us. Deidra was a beautiful soul that was taken from all that loved her entirely too soon.
Deidra is preceded in death by her Mother, Mary Lou Perry-Tidwell, maternal grandparents Sam and Annie Mae Perry, paternal grandparents Louis and Leotha Tidwell. Left to cherish her memory are her wife Cathy Ratchford and their fur baby Carrie; a stepson David Ratchford (Brittany), a step daughter Ashley Hedstrom (Doug) and their children Leah, Benjamin, Penelope; her father, Freddy Tidwell (Jerri); three sisters Sheila Hawes (James), Maria Shaw (Elvis), and Lisa Tidwell; and a brother, David Tidwell (Erin). She also leaves behind nieces and nephews; Devin Shaw (Meghan), Ashley Shaw and Mitchell Tidwell. Sister in laws Kim King (Paul), Wendy Hollifield. Beautiful great nieces and nephews (Grace, Bryson and Carson), loving uncles, aunts and cousins and a host of dear friends.
A Celebration of Life and Committal service occurred on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Forest Park Westhimer Funeral Home and Cementary, 12800 Westheimer Road Houston Texas 77077. The family wishes to thank everyone for the prayers, flowers, cards and words of comfort during our time of great loss.
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