Ruth E. Montgomery

December 31, 1931 - August 27, 2024

With family by her side, Ruth Evelyn Montgomery slipped away quietly on August 27th, 2024 at Carlton House of Oak Bay, Victoria B.C. Born in Vancouver, B.C. on December 31, 1931, Ruth had a curiosity and passion to learn, devouring books from a very young age. Literature, history, and her coveted murder mysteries inspired her many travels around the world. Ruth loved all life had to offer, but it was music that lifted her spirit the most. A gifted pianist, Ruth tinkled the ivories into her final months at Carlton House. At the age of 92, perched at a grand piano, Ruth continued to bring joy through her music.

Ruth obtained a B.A. in Music at UBC and a Law degree at UVic. Her career path took her from Associate editor to teacher and finally into law. She pursued her work with the same passion she did her life, all while raising 6 amazing, beautiful and gifted children (written by child number 4). Her passion, curiosity, quick wit and gift of music will be both cherished and deeply missed by those who knew her.

Ruth was predeceased by her beloved son Bruce Bergman, her parents Florence and Frank Montgomery, her brothers Cliff and Roger, husbands Gerald Bergman, Dr. Richard Gosse, and Delmar Mallernee and by her beloved friend John Walton. Ruth will be remembered by her children: Paul Bergman, Robert Bergman, Julie (Andy) Martin, Chris (Carla) Bergman and Kathy (Darrell) Roze, her grandchildren: Joel, Adrian, Julie, Emily, Tara, Celia, Luke, Zachary, Uilliam and great-granddaughter, Orlagh. Also remembered by her dear friends Carl Gorman, Sheila Langston and Debbie Bergman

A special thank-you to her daughter Julie Martin, granddaughter Tara Gorman and her partner Brodie Day who helped ease her way in her final months. Thank-you to Dr. Govender for his kindness and understanding, and to the wonderful caring team of Carlton House; a place she considered home for 10 years.

Ruth did not wish for a funeral or celebration. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Doctors without Borders, an organization Ruth admired and supported for many years. True to her nature, Ruth has given a final gift to learning by donating her body to science through the UBC donation program.

"The song is ended, but the melody lingers on." - Irving Berlin