Ruth Sara Magadini

Ruth Sara Magadini played many roles, and she eagerly approached each one with the same vigor and zealous determination. She was an artist, a writer, a gallery owner, a swimmer, a successful role model for the arts in the community, and a constant beacon of strength for her Magadini family. The daughter of Dr. Howard Watson Baldwin and Elizabeth Davidson, Ruth was born April 28, 1917 in Great Barrington, MA, and passed from this life on October 8, at her home in Phoenix. In keeping with her life, she spent her last days guiding her family towards peace and acceptance and allowing those around her to derive comfort and courage from her unwavering grace and dignity. One need only look to her family to see the abundant evidence of her outstanding legacy and undaunted spirit. She was an enthusiastic participant in all of life's experiences–and words fail to adequately describe the respect and love she inspired in all those who knew her. She is survived by her adoring husband Charles Magadini; their marriage on December 28, 1940 has been one continuous love story for 63 years. They were blessed with four children who survive them: Peter of Novato, CA, a musician, and his wife, Helene Dellair; Christopher of Croton-on-Hudson, NY, a visual artist, and his wife, Jamie L. Shenkman; Patricia of Dallas, an architect, and her husband Coyt Randal Johnston, and Deborah Lee of Hoboken, NJ, in the performing arts. Besides her immediate family, she is survived by eleven grandchildren: Britt, Niko, Morgan, Gregoire, Jessica, Coyt, Meredith, Vanessa, Branden, Brett, and Abbey, and two great grandchildren, Riley and William. Ruth considered her friends, Dr. Norman Thompson and his wife, Pat, to be her brother and sister. Ruth was active in the Arizona Artists Guild, Scottsdale Artist League, Phoenix Theatre Guild, Mental Health Organization, and Rotaryanns of the Rotary Club of North Phoenix. The Schemmer Art Center's April "Garden Art Sale" was originated by Ruth in 1964. In 1980, she opened West Side Gallery, followed by Magadini Gallery in the Design Center on Central Avenue. Her successes led to elegant champagne openings in Scottsdale with the Magadini Galleries in Hilton Village and in Craftsmans Court. In the 1990s, she sponsored an Art Co-op "Gallery 19" for members of the Arizona Artists Guild. Ruth's gift of gentle persuasion and sophisticated eye helped develop many artists who exhibited and sold work in her galleries. Her current publications as an author are Enchanted and Showdown, novels published by Dorrance Publishing Co. A private celebration of Ruth's life was held at Greenwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Living Strong, a cancer. Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at First Christian Church at 6750 North 7th Avenue on Monday, October 11, after which people are invited to the Magadini home. Please call First Christian Church at 602-246-9206 for service time.