RUTH ELVA CLAIRE FRANKS

(née Weir) April 19, 1942 - March 12, 2025 Ruth died peacefully at home, at a time and date of her choosing (MAID), seven years after her diagnosis of Stage 4 breast cancer. She is survived by her brothers, Bob Weir (Stella), Fonthill, Paul Weir (Shirley), Orillia; and sister-in-law, Jill Proudfoot, Warkworth. Predeceased by husband, Donald (2020); parents, Ivan and Evelyn Weir, Creemore; and three beloved canines, Joujou, BB and Bijou. Following attendance at a rural, one-room elementary school and Banting Memorial High School, Alliston, Ruth graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honour BA in Political Science. Upon graduation, she secured a position with the Department of Public Welfare in Human Resources where she remained until her early retirement in 1993. Interested in experiencing governance from the other side, Ruth actively volunteered with the High Park Liberal Riding Association; she volunteered in the constituency office of Gerard Kennedy. In 2009, she was recognized as an Honourary Member of Parliament for her contribution. With advancing age, Ruth undertook less strenuous activities such as collecting used clothing, toys and medical supplies from her condominium building for various local charities. She ultimately knitted 72 dozen pneumonia vests for Third World children distributed through the Canadian Food for Children organization. Ruth was grateful for the generous assistance provided by friends and neighbours at 35 Ormskirk Avenue during her declining years, and the professional support provided by Dr. Linda Klapwyk, Dr. Christine Elser and Dr. Jessica Zive and her Palliative Care Nurse, Vlad. Donations, if desired, may be given to the Toronto Public Library Foundation (tplfoundation.ca) or Operation Smile, 375 University Avenue, Suite 204, Toronto M5G 2J5. Cremation has taken place, and Ruth's ashes will be interred with Don's at Christ Church, Banda, at a later date. Condolences may be forwarded to Turner and Porter Yorke Chapel.