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Ruth CRUDEN

1928 - 2022

Ruth CRUDEN obituary, 1928-2022

BORN

1928

DIED

2022

Ruth CRUDEN Obituary

RUTH CRUDEN (nee Ormsby) July 26, 1928 - October 20, 2022 Outgoing. Positive. Independent. Always open to new people and new experiences. That was Ruth Cruden. Ruth was born in Toronto, the only child of Clarence Ormsby and Elizabeth Ormsby (nee Ritchie). She was a Parkdale CI cheerleader, Eaton's Fashion Council rep and talented sock knitter for the war effort. On a double date in the late forties, she met the dashing Joe Cruden, her partner in love and community service for almost 60 years. Together, they raised three daughters and turned their home at 89 Queen Anne Road into a hub of activity and hospitality. Ruth prized her independence, working as a constituency assistant to federal MPs Robert Winters and Alastair Gillespie, and later in two long stints as a Judge in Citizenship Court where she welcomed and encouraged new Canadians to join in building this wonderful country. Ruth also lived a life of volunteerism, in Scouting, the United Church, Kiwanis, and in the extended family of the Liberal Party. She never lost her sense of curiosity, traveling solo to Cuba several times a year and making new friends well into her nineties. Ruth is survived by daughters, Janet (Lorne Mitchell), Carol (Bob Fraser) and Mary (Peter Donolo); nine grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. A special thank you to the compassionate healthcare professionals who supported and cared for Ruth over the last two years, particularly the ones she danced with. A celebration of Ruth's life will be held at Kingsway Lambton United Church on Tuesday, November 8, at 1:30 p.m. It will also be livestreamed by the Church (kingswaylambton.ca). In honour of Ruth, please consider donating to the Boys and Girls Club, Toronto Kiwanis (bgctk.org) to help improve the lives of inner-city kids.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Nov. 5 to Nov. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth CRUDEN

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10 Entries

Joanne & Paul Hebb

November 21, 2022

My husband and I had so many wonderful times with Ruth.We met Ruth at Blau Colonial our first trip to Cuba and became fast friends. Our two weeks on holiday were always spent on the beach sharing stories and always laughing. She was a special lady and will be forever in our hearts. Our condolences to the family. She be missed

Madelaine Allan

November 9, 2022

Ruth and Joe were wonderful neighbours who welcomed us to the street in 1984. A number of new people had also recently moved in so Ruth organized a get together so we could all meet and get to know one another. Building a sense of inclusion and community was one of Ruth´s greatest strengths. We will miss her deeply. Sending our thoughts and prayers to Ruth´s family and friends,
Madelaine and Tim Allan

Terry Kirk

November 8, 2022

Ruth Cruden was a woman to admire. She gave in her community with abundance-to her church, her political party, and her family, not always in that order. She was poised and quick to smile, with a hint of the tenacity that got the job done. Mostly, Ruth liked people, almost as much as we liked her. Terry Kirk, Ruth´s friend

Barb Wiseberg

November 8, 2022

Dear Jan:

Our deepest condolences on the loss of your dear mother. Her courage, spirit and love of the arts is being passed on to future generations.

May her memory be for a blessing.

Barb Wiseberg & Darrel Hotz

Mary Greene

November 7, 2022

Our deepest sympathies to our very dear friend Jan (and Lorne, Jody and Adam), and to Mary and Carol Ann and the entire clan.
I only met your Mama once but was struck by her strength of character and smile. A life well and fully lived! Keep the good memories close.
XO
Mary, Doug and family

Steven Mosher

November 7, 2022

I extend my sincere condolences to Janet, Carol, Mary and their families in this difficult time. I knew Ruth Cruden many years ago when she was constituency secretary for Alastair Gillespie and, later, as a Citizenship Court judge. She was a good person and will be missed by the many people who knew her.

Debby Hanscom

November 6, 2022

What a beautiful description of Ruth´s many actions of service, always devoted to building others. And what an adventurer! The world needs more Ruth, and that is her best legacy.

Shelley Plohman

November 6, 2022

I met Ruth in Cuba. I spent a week with her mostly in the evening having dinner and talking and dancing. She made my two weeks in Cuba an Amazing gift to me. I will always remember our great time together

Marilyn F. Jackson

November 5, 2022

I always admired my cousin Ruth. As a little girl (Ruth was eight years older), I thought she was so pretty and nice to be with. My brothers were ten and twelve years older than me, nearer to Ruth's age and the older cousins hung together (I was envious). I'm sure she made a wonderful wife and mother and I am so sorry for the family who will miss her greatly (especially her sweet grandchildren and great grandchildren).

Ruth Wilson

November 5, 2022

Janet,Carol and Mary, sending my heartfelt condolences. I thoroughly loved seeing her at the family reunions. She was a beautiful lady and my namesake. Sending love and hugs.

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Memorial Events
for Ruth CRUDEN

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