RUTH FRANCES ROBERTSON

Passed peacefully on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in Seven Oaks Hospital at age 95, after a short battle with cancer.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Alf; brothers Pete, Charlie, Tommy, Mike, Ben, Jake, John and sister Agnes.

She is survived by her children David (Kathy) Robertson, Michael (Annele) Robertson and Lorraine (Ken) Decock; grandchildren Julia Robertson, Sheila (Shaun) Goddard, Lanora Robertson, Matthew (Jessica) Robertson, Adrianna (Lawrence) Lee and Andrew (Mya Behar) Robertson; great-grandchildren Katie, Dayton, Jaxon, Ellis, Beth, Karina and Felix, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins both near and far.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Ruth met the love of her life, Alf Robertson, and they were married on July 15, 1943. They had 57 wonderful years together, most of them in their beloved family home on Hiawatha Avenue in Middlechurch.

Ruth was a wonderful cook and hosted many family gatherings around the dining room table. Our favourite dessert was her kringle filled with apples and an amazing delicate crust (only for special occasions, mind you). Family meant everything to Ruth, and she was happiest when surrounded by those she loved, laughing and sharing stories.

As a busy homemaker through the 1950s and 60s, once her children were old enough, Ruth began working part time at The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce as a waitress. At that time this was THE place for the movers and shakers in business and politics to meet, and she even obtained Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s autograph! She volunteered for St. John’s Ambulance for several years, attending big events at the Winnipeg Arena, and in later years, volunteered at the Manitoba Museum as a guide.

We were so lucky, that as kids, Mom and Dad took us on camping trips from coast to coast in Canada, to parts of the U.S. such as Oregon, Yellowstone Park and points in between. Plus there were two trips to California in the 1960s at Eastertime to visit family in L.A. After the kids were gone from home, Mom and Dad continued to travel in Canada, and then when Dad retired they travelled the world. Highlights included The British Isles, parts of Asia, Italy, Portugal and their favourite destination, Hawaii. Even in recent years, Mom loved taking day trips in Manitoba to enjoy the natural beauty.

Ruth was interested in everything – history, nature, politics, movies, poetry, art, music – you name it. She was always reading and often asked her daughter to Google information on something or someone she had heard about and give her a print-out. Although she enjoyed all types of music, her greatest love was opera – Saturday afternoons were spent listening to the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts at home. And she would occasionally take the bus from her Henderson apartment all the way out to Polo Park to watch live opera broadcasts at the theatre. As an art lover, she was lucky enough to see some original famous masterpieces in their travels through Europe.

An accomplished seamstress, she made many of her own clothes, and later tackled millinery (hat making) as well as making her own winter coats. She even sewed her daughter’s wedding dress, as well as special outfits for the grandchildren when they were little. This was a skill she passed on to her daughter, and they spent many happy hours in the fabric shops downtown. And let’s not forget the thrift stores – she even knew the best ones in other cities.

Ruth definitely had a mind of her own, knew what she wanted, and never hesitated to let us know – all admirable (though at times frustrating) traits. She was unstoppable, until the end. But now she has joined her beloved Alfie in heaven whom she was so looking forward to seeing again. Hope you’re enjoying the view from up there, Mom.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in Ruth’s honour.

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Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in a photo-tribute, eulogy, stories and condolences for the family by commenting in the comments section of this page.

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An interment of ashes will take place 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 13, 2019 at All Saints Cemetery, 4515 Main Street. A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019 in the North Kildonan United Church, 174 Pentland Street.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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