Ruth Ruthie Calvagne

I met Ruthie volunteering at the Lions Thrift Store. I knew the moment I met her that she was someone special. A genuine good soul with an infectious smile, a joyous laugh, and unrivaled work ethic and dedication. She was inspiring and fun and that made it a joy to work with her. I always looked forward to seeing her up on that stage, even when she had me lugging stuff down to her car, so that she could bring the things that wouldn't sell to St Vincent DePaul. "Is there room for one more box?" she'd ask me. "Maybe," I'd say, and 5 boxes later we'd be done with her car packed to the gills. She always knew just how much she could stuff in that Honda.

I'd get at her back on Saturday afternoons. At the end of the day we'd start to bring in the stuff from outside and put it on the stage for sorting. The stage would start to get full and she'd pretend to get overwhelmed. "What am I supposed to do with all this stuff?", she'd say. I'd say, "Don't worry Ruthie, I think this is the last one." "You said that 3 boxes ago!", she'd yell back. This of course went on for at least 5 more boxes.

I am so lucky to have know Ruthie. She always made me smile. Even with the tears and the sadness of the current moment, just the thought of her makes me smile. There won't be a time I approach that stage that I won't miss her.

Rest In Peace, can't remember a time when Ruth didn't have a smile. I have fond memories of visiting her home in Saulnierville.
Georgette

So very sorry for the loss mom

Ruthie was a fellow Lion with me and she seemed to have endless energy.
There was nothing she couldn't accomplish when she set her mind to it. She loved the Lions Club and all they meant to the community and she put her whole heart (which was quite large) into serving with a happy spirit.
Her enthusiasm fueled others into action along side of her, working for the betterment of the community. She cannot be replaced and I will always miss her. With love, Jan Davis

I am so sad at the loss of this wonderful woman. Her puckish sense of humor, her remarkable spirit, and work ethic in everything she did for others. She was the heart of the Easton Lions. Condolences to her family.

Ruthie epitomized the Lions Club's "We Serve" motto. She was always ready to lend a helping hand, and always offered a smile. I will remember her for her energy and work ethic.

~Lorri Ventura
Member, Easton Lions Club

Ruthie was beloved by so many in Easton. Her passion, energy, and work ethic were second to none. She gave so much of herself to benefit others. She had an indomitable spirit and never let tough circumstances pull her down. She was a pillar of the Lions Club and the Thrift Store which became the Clubs largest fundraiser through her tireless efforts from day the Store opened. It will take some time to get used to Ruthie not manning the second floor stage at the Store but I will always have pleasant memories of chatting her up as she was busy pricing and sorting the new (to us) donated merchandise.

God bless!

We were second cousins once removed. We never met, I live in the Silver Spring, Maryland area. She was a lovely lady. May you rest in peace. Condolences to your daughters, grandchildren and other family members.

Ruthie was special. She had the spirit, drive, and heart of a true native Nova Scotian. Nothing could stop her when there was work to be done.

I met Ruthie in 2012 at my first VFW Lions meeting. Her French accent reminded me of home in VT and my Quebec grandmother, who happened to be one of those small French giants! She was very welcoming and invited me to sit at her table. (Lee Williams happened not to be there) She got me up to speed on everything Lions and introduced me to many members.

When I said I used to be a bicycle mechanic, she lured me in to the Thrift Store crew in no time. It was the following Saturday I went in to become a member of the the Thrift crew. I got say, it was truly amazing to see Ruthie at work there. When I wasn't fixing bikes in the bargain basement (I think it's the Dungeon now? aptly named), I'd help lug and tug things up and down the stairs to Ruthie or pile in bags to her car. And when the summer heat was on, or the winter cold ahead, Ruthie would ask me to tie open or close the attic vent door in the center of the ceiling. It was amazing to see what she had stored up there!

What I remember most about Ruthie is she had a big heart for people. When someone was going through tough times, or a church needed baskets for Easter or an X-mas Holly Fair, she'd donate whatever they needed.

That was returned by customers with a contagious heart-felt warmth. When Ruthie was on vacation or out sick, it wasn't the same. They'd often ask, When's Ruthie coming back? or comment She's the best haggler around! I always get a great deal. It was Ruthie who brought them back again and again.

Everyone wanted to see Ruthie! We will all miss her dearly, she is truly one-of-a-kind!