In Loving Memory ~ On August 29th, 2021 our beloved Mom Ruth slipped away at the age of 91, after a full and wonderful life.
She was born near Constance Saskatchewan on January 8th, 1930, in the middle of a snow storm. When she was 5 years old, the family immigrated to Vancouver Island, settling in Chemainus.
She spent many happy years growing up on a farm with her 7 siblings. She and her sister Doris were inseparable. They attended school together, played ball, and loved to cheer on their baseball playing brothers. They even had a double wedding.
She met and married our Dad Jack, the love of her life, on July 22, 1950. They spent many happy years raising us kids, providing a loving and secure home.
They loved to camp, and had many fun trips to Reno, Hawaii, and various cruises. They were regulars with a circle of friends at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival.
Mom spent countless hours volunteering with the Ladysmith Hospital Auxiliary, working hard at the Thrift Shop, Rummage sales, and the Doris Gallagher Memorial Garden.
This was created behind the Ladysmith Hospital when her beloved sister Doris passed away in 1984. She was still working at the Thrift Shop at the age of 90, when the covid lockdown was implemented, and was about to receive her 50 year pin.
Mom was also an avid gardener, loved to read, and rarely missed a Toronto Blue Jays game. To Mom, family was everything, something that she has instilled in all of us. She was so proud of each and every one of us, and especially loved a family music night! She was known to say "I enjoyed every minute of it!".
Mom touched so many people's hearts. She lit up a room and made everyone feel welcome and special. Her sense of humour and open mindedness helped her to move with the times and fit in with any generation. Her courage and strength at the passing of our much loved brother Dale in Oct. 2020 was truly and example for us all.
She was predeceased by her husband Jack, son Dale, her parents Merton and Hedvig Brooks, brothers Max, Wes, Donny, Bobby, and Gerry Brooks, and sister Doris. She is survived by her son Gary (Wendy), daughter Karen Howie (Bill), grandchildren Murray (Rieko), Gwen Gilson (Brad), Brooks Jamison (Jamaina), and Jesse Jamison (Tina), great grandchildren Kaitlyn, Noah, and Braden, sister Vera, sisters-in-law Wilma Thompson and Lorene Milligan, and nieces and nephews who loved "Auntie Ruth" dearly.
Special thanks to the wonderful, caring staff at La Rosa Gardens, to Mom's special friend Kathy Mah, who was always there to help, and to Dr. Gregory Kutney for his excellent care.
Until we meet again in heaven Mom, " Enjoy every minute of it" up there!!
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