Ruth slipped away quietly and peacefully to join her beloved Jack in the early morning of Saturday, October 15, 2022. We, her 4 children, Jennifer (Jack Thomas), Susan (David Fagan), James (Beth Tremblay) and Paul (Kim Restivo), 10 grandchildren and step-grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren will miss her unconditional love and support. She was predeceased by her brother Alec and her parents Alec George and Emily Margaret (Enkel).
Ruth was born and raised in Old Ottawa South, growing up next door to her Bounsall cousins. She was an accomplished pianist who met that special boy while she was playing as the accompanist for her future sister-in-law’s dance classes. Ruth was an adventurous young woman and gamely joined Jack in his favourite sport of downhill skiing, travelling with friends on ski trips around the Eastern Townships. Finding herself stuck, alone and heading back down the hill on a chairlift with the bar frozen down put a damper on those adventures for her.
After their marriage in 1950, Ruth headed off to Toronto with her new husband and as so many women did at that time, she worked so Jack could pursue his graduate degree at U of T. Back in Ottawa, Ruth continued her career, until motherhood became her chief occupation. She wrangled 4 children to adulthood somehow, all the while acting as Chief Financial Officer for the family and keeping Jack topped up with gravy, and nattily attired in hand-knitted socks. Ruth could knit with her eyes closed and produced many beautiful gifts for her children, grandchildren, and her numerous nieces and nephews. Family was important to her, and she faithfully maintained connections with her family near and far. At the age of 32, Ruth learned she had a birth family living in Ottawa. She embraced her new extended family with enthusiasm. She was predeceased by her birth brother Bud Corkran and their mother Bertha.
Ruth and Jack somehow maintained their sanity while they made multiple road trips across Canada and the United States with their 4 noisy, impatient children rolling around in the back of the station wagon, ultimately deciding to leave them at home while they travelled further afield to Europe and Japan.
Ruth loved the colour red, enjoyed reading the newspaper cover to cover every day, looked forward to a sherry at day’s end, and she made a mean Tuna Noodle Bake. We will miss all of her talents, smiles and especially her wonderful laugh.
The family would like to thank everyone who treated our Mom with kindness and respect, while they cared for her during these last years on R2S at the Perley. A special thank you to her personal sitter Ashley.
A service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Thursday October 27, 2022. Family and friends are invited to visit from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., with a service at 1:00 p.m. and interment to follow. Please wear a mask to keep everyone healthy.
In lieu of flowers donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Nayla Kamal
Terry (Cardo) and Mike Callaghan
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. Our
Thoughts and prayers go out to your family. So many fond memories of our Cline Cres. Neighbours.
Jorge and Maria Teixeira
Dear Jennifer, our deepest condolences on the passing of your Mother. As Catholics we beleive that God's Will will be done and that there is an afterlife for all of us. As humans we still will miss very dearly our departed love ones. All her family is a testament to a life well lived. God Bless and our regards to you and all your family.
David Corkran
Aunt Ruth was all about carring. Her children were well looked after,also her devotion to Uncle Jack was undeniable. She also keept in close contact with her brother throughout their lives. She will not be forgotten ❤
David Cartwright
So very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother and my aunt. Send love and prayers to you all. Love David
Vicky
May Ruth and Jack be rejoined and Rest in Peace together. Xo
Wendy and Mike Boroczki
Dear Susan, Dave and Family,
So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She lived a good, long life. No matter how old your mother is, it's always hard and a huge loss!
Thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Know that you'll have a good laugh with all the great memories.
xo Wendy and Mike
Sandra Crouse
My memories of Ruth include her wonderful smile, her great sense of humour and her infectious laugh. So glad I got to know her.
Grant & Theresa
So sorry to hear about the passing of Ruth. She was such a warm, kind hearted person with a great sense of humor, quick wit and always a smile.
Growing up as neighbors she'd often entertain with her considerable musical talent on the piano which in turn inspired many of us to pursue music. What a wonderful gift. Ruth was also very adept at putting together fun activities including tickling our young imaginations with her mysterious Quiji board that could spell out messages from beyond. What a hoot!
Ruth and Jack offered unwavering friendship and support to our mother who lived next door for almost 50 years. She frequently talked about them in glowing terms and about how lucky she was to have such wonderful neighbors.
Our deepest sympathies to Jennifer, Susan, Jamie, Paul and the entire family.
Jennifer Marjerrison
My sincerest condolences to Jamie, Beth and family. Thinking of you during this very difficult time and wishing you much peace and love.
So sorry to hear the news about your mother.
Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family.
May God have mercy on her soul and grant you the strength and patience needed at this time.
She had a very fulfilling life, which is indeed a great blessing.
May she Rest In Peace.