Ruth Beede

1927 - 2019

Ruth Streicher Beede, formerly of Webster, New York passed away peacefully on August 23, 2019 in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Ruth was born in Stuttgart, Germany on October 25, 1927, the youngest daughter of the late Eugenie and Paul Streicher. She spent the majority of her childhood and adult life in Upstate New York, prior to moving to the Duncaster retirement community where she made many new friendships in her later years. Ruth worked in administration as an Assistant to the Manager at the Ausable Club in Keene Valley, New York and Yeaman's Hall in Charleston, South Carolina before working at the Lake Placid Club where she met her life long companion and true love, George F. Beede at a boathouse dance. After they were married, they made their first home in Evanston, Illinois while George completed his degree at Northwestern University. From there, they settled into the place they would call home for the next 57 years. They spent the happiest of years in Webster as part of a close-knit community on Curtice Park, where Ruth cultivated the dearest of friendships and raised her family. Ruth was the consummate hostess, gathering friends for themed cocktail and dinner parties, shared evenings on the back porch, and joining together with neighbors for backyard clambakes and other gatherings. Most importantly, Ruth had the kindest and most generous heart and was a loving Mom to her children and those of her neighbors during these years. Ruth had many interests, which she passionately pursued during her years in Webster. Ruth's interest in art and history led her to become a dedicated member of the Historical Society of Early American Decoration (HSEAD). She was a talented artist who painted in early American style, creating beautiful pieces over the years and eventually becoming a guild member of the Genesee Country Chapter of HSEAD. Ruth's other lifetime love was for the Opera, fostered in her youth by a family tradition of coming together to listen to the Metropolitan Opera on Sunday afternoons. Ruth also relished the regular trips she took to Cockle Cove beach on Cape Cod and to Lake Placid in the Adirondacks with her family. An active member and volunteer in her community, she devoted time and energy to The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, the Women's Club of Webster, Garden Club, Meals on Wheels and RAMS. Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband, George Beede, her sister Anne Vickery, and her sister-in-law, Marie Mills. She is survived by her children Chris Beede (Lisa) of West Hartford, Connecticut, and Martha Beede of Burlington, Vermont, her much loved grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at St. Eustace Episcopal Church in Lake Placid, New York on Saturday, September 28 at 1 pm with a reception on Mirror Lake to follow. There will also be a reception held at the Duncaster on September 14 at 4:00 pm for Connecticut friends and family. Memorials may be directed to Ruth's favorite respite St. Andrews Chapel by the Lake, in Webster, New York, c/o The Church of The Good Shepherd, 1130 Webster Road, Webster, New York 14580. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com