Ruth died peacefully in Ottawa, surrounded by family, on March 14, 2026. The daughter of the late James Earl Johnston and Edith Isobel (Fowler) Johnston, she was married for 68 years to the love of her life, the late Kenneth Charles Brown. Together they had four children, David (Margaret Ford), Deborah (the late Cameron Card), Chris (Jane Bagnall) and Andrew (Jeannette Gagnon), ten grandchildren, Catherine Brown (Michal Plucinski), Alison Brown, Sarah Card, Jonathan Card, Caitlin Card, Whitney Card (Travis Smith), Nathaniel Brown (Emily Wilson), Rebecca Brown (Dave Rutt), Gabriel Brown, and Joseph Keon Brown, and eight great-grandchildren, Bennett, Madeline, Gemma, Ellie, Olivia, Charlotte, Remi and Ela.
Ruth was born in Sunkist, Saskatchewan on September 23, 1922, and grew up in Owen Sound and Sarnia. She studied at the University of Toronto, receiving a BA in Modern Languages at Victoria College, where she graduated in 1945 and met Ken, and a Master of Social Work in 1947. She worked for Dr Barnardo’s Homes in London, England before marrying Ken in 1948. They then began Ken’s career in the Canadian Foreign Service, with postings in Havana in the 1950s, Berne, Washington DC, Havana in the 1970s and finally Stockholm. In between each posting they returned to Ottawa, where Ruth followed her own career with the Ottawa Children’s Aid Society.
In retirement, Ruth was actively engaged in a wide range of community support and advocacy organizations, including the Foreign Service Community Association, Christmas Exchange, Good Companions, International Social Service Canada and the Northeast Ottawa Community Seniors Support Services. For many years she and Ken led the Outreach activities of MacKay United Church. She served as President of the Ottawa Council of Women and then as President of the National Council of Women of Canada from 1992-95. For many years she was a tireless drafter of NCWC resolutions on women’s and social policy issues of the day. For her volunteer work she received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003 and the Diamond Jubilee medal in 2013.
The joy of Ruth’s life was her family, in particular time together at the family cottage at Christie Lake. She was an avid swimmer, cross-country skier and tennis player. She and Ken camped across North America and explored the World. Together they were accomplished bridge players and bird watchers. A born extrovert, she had a wide circle of friends. She aged gracefully and was a role model for everyone she met.
The family would like to thank the caring support provided in Ruth’s final year by the staff of Chartwell Rockcliffe Retirement Home and the Ottawa office of Ontario at Home. Donations in her memory may be made to the MacKay United Church Outreach Fund, Christie Lake Kids or to a charity of your choice.
Family and friends are invited to attend Ruth’s funeral at MacKay United Church (39 Dufferin Rd.., Ottawa) on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 11am-12pm, followed by a reception from 12-2p
Livre de visiteurs
David Robinson
Kurt Jensen
I served in Stockholm when Ken and Ruth Brown were there as Head of Mission. They were wonderful people, and very inclusive and caring of all the staff. Stockholm still remains the favourite post for my wife, Jill, and me -- in good measure because of the Browns.
Peter Hadwen
Aunt Ruth, so sad to see you go.
Susan Pitt
What a privilege to have known this wonderful person. I have enjoyed hearing her stories of the places she and Ken lived and the adventures they had. She will be missed.
Susan Louise Gagnon
I have many fond memories of swimming with Aunt Ruth at Christie Lake. She was well loved. We will all keep her in our hearts.
Sherri and Pierre Sauve
We were saddened to hear of Ruth's passing. Both she and Ken led a very full life. We especially enjoyed our time getting to know them both at MacKay United! But we were also thrilled to visit their cottage across the water from Sherri's mom and stepdad at Christy Lake. Godspeed my friend.
Ruth was a wonderful, warm person and a dear friend of my mother Elizabeth Robinson. May she rest in peace.