Ruth Leah Massey

Dear China, It was a privilege to know your Mum. Her pizzazz were a constant delight. Her qualities which I valued most were the warmth of her friendship and the vitality of her conversation. We had many marvellous discussions about the UN, books, films, famous artists and film makers. She enriched the conviviality of every function she attended. I share with others the gratitude for her life, lived with such energy, courage, creativity and humanity, and in the grief that it is over. ...

As a friend of China's, I thought of Ruth as the coolest mom. She had it all, warmth, intrigue, wine and it was all wonderfully artful. She was an independent woman, whom I truly admired and will forever remember.
peace, love and a smile for the memory of Ruth!
Gigi

Ruth was a force and a fashion plate (no one else I know could carry off Peggy Guggenheim glasses or Andy Warhol/Campbell’s soup can shoes); a character and a culture buddy (no one read more books or saw more art or film; and she had wanted to take a class at MoMA with me this spring); and a dear, dear friend (conversation was never dull; and dinner at her apartment--full of fabulous mementos from around the world--was always simple, home-cooked, and delicious). I have been and will go on...

Dear Ruth,
I will miss you and your friendship.
But i will live with some wonderful memories.
Looking forward to seeing you when my turn comes up.
Your friend always,
John

Dear Ruth:

We were so looking forward to being in-laws but you are still with us in spirit and love. We will take good care of China. What a blessing you have given us. You will be in our hearts forever.

Betsy and Charles

DearlovelyRuth,
We were friends from the day we met, you, Jim and me - exiles from Paris who became New Yorkers. What fun we had together! You made friends all over the world, and they will never forget you. Yesterday, fifteen of them were in Arlette and Michel's apartment in Paris to salute your unquenchable spirit. I miss you, dear loyal friend - Pamela

Ruth was a great lady, tough, indominable and adventurous spirit, a great colleague in that adventure we were all embarked on in the UNDP. I am sorry to learn of her passing, and send not just my condolences, but my congratulations for a life well lived.
Gary Davis

Thank you Ruth:

I learned a lot from Ruth.
During walks together along beaches and through forests she would tell me about the intracacies of all the intrigues between members of European royal families--past and present.
She had also delved into the tumultuous life of painters, writers, politicians, and of course, movie stars.
Ruth loved to read biographies--and we relived so many lives of others during our lovely nature walks.

But it was not only through reading of...

Ruth, I miss you love. You were unique, with your taste, talent, loyalty, humour and gutsy attitude to life. So many times lately I've wanted to share things with you, and then comes the cold realisation that you're no longer here. I am grateful to have known you and to have been your friend and will always carry you in my heart. Fred