Ruth McAninch

Ruth McAninch

Resident of Foster City

A longtime SF Bay Area social editor and columnist, whose passion for the community and love of life endeared her to people everywhere, passed away at her home on July 8, 2010 after a difficult struggle with cancer. She was 87. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Merl, daughters, Joan Grossman, Marcia Sandler and Tracy McAninch-Tusneem, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and her sisters, Alice Tillem and Esther Schreier. Ruth was preceded in death by her first husband, Leon Rubin.

Raised in New York City, Ruth attended The New School, focusing on Art and Philosophy. Her career spanned five decades, starting in advertising at The New York Times, where she worked for more than a decade, and led her to several local SF Bay Area publications, where she was a social editor with a popular column that was published weekly for more than 30 years.

Her dedication to the community and volunteerism led her to serve in many capacities for many organizations over the years, including the Board of Directors of the USO, the American Kidney Foundation and many more. She organized several city-wide events in Foster City, for which she received several mayoral proclamations. She was also honored by several charities for notable work to promote and support them, including the American Cancer Society and The Kidney Foundation, though it was the pleasure of helping others that compelled her.

She met and photographed several presidents, members of royal families, Nobel prize winners, best-selling authors, fashion designers, Hollywood celebrities (Some favorites included Joe DiMaggio, Priscilla Presley, and Sharon Stone) to opera stars like Pavarotti, Domingo and others, as well as local people who served the community.

She had an incredible zest for life and was an avid traveler until recent years. She visited every state in the US and countries spanning five continents, always delighted to return and share her experiences.

A memorial web page has been created where people are welcome to read more about her life and leave a comment or message for the family. http://ruthmcaninch.wetpaint .com. Private family services will be at a later date. CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, Millbrae, CA

(650) 588-5116 www.chapelofthehighlands.com