Ruth S. Garnick

DEDHAM — Ruth Sodnowsky Garnick, 88, a longtime North Andover and Yarmouthport resident, passed away on Jan. 8, 2010.

Born in Beverly, she is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Philip Garnick of Dedham; son, Gerald Garnick of Yarmouthport; son and daughter-in-law, Drs. Marc and Barbara Kates-Garnick of Boston and New York City; granddaughters, Alyssa Garnick of New York City and Rebecca Garnick Ast and husband Toby Ast of Brookline; and grandsons, Alexander Garnick and wife Renee Taylor Garnick of New Jersey, and Nathaniel Garnick of New York City.

Having raised their family in Methuen, North Andover and Yarmouthport, Ruth and Philip were inseparable. Ruth was considered the matriarch of the family who gave her husband and two sons good direction in their lives. She was a full-time mother and also an equal partner with her husband in their business, Philip's Shoe Store. Passed down from Ruth's parents, Philip and Pauline Sodnowsky, the shoe store was a family business in which multiple generations worked together and was an established business for more than 30 years in Lawrence.

Ruth suffered a severe stroke in 1988, and was paralyzed on one side of her body. From 1988 to the present, her husband Philip remained fully devoted; he took care of her and never left her side. Ruth and Philip had a remarkable marriage and their love for each other transcended Ruth's health difficulties.

During Ruth's life, in addition to being a devoted wife, mother and business owner, she enjoyed playing golf and bridge and had very strong ties to her community. She was an active member of Temple Emanuel in Andover.

Ruth's legacy for husband Philip, her two sons, Gerald and Marc, and her four grandchildren Alyssa, Rebecca, Alexander and Nathaniel includes progressively demonstrating the strength and talents of women in business, teaching them the lost art of handwriting, enjoying ecstatic laughter with loved ones decade-after-decade and persevering with physical activity, events and travel even when handicapped.

Her entire family, and all of those who knew her, feel blessed to have had her in their lives for 88 years. Ruth S. Garnick will be forever loved and remembered by all of those she touched.

Interment: Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at 11 a.m., in Woodside Cemetery, Yarmouthport.

Services: Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at 3 p.m., at NewBridge on the Charles, Dedham.