Ruth Leah Massey

Ruth Massey Obituary

MASSEY--Ruth Leah, writer and photographer, passed away peacefully at home on January 4, 2009. Born in Marienbad, she worked for the UN and UNDP. Her work took her around the world, photographing and writing about developmental projects. Beautiful in mind and spirit, devoted friend and loving mother, she will be missed by many. She is survived by her daughter, China Jorrin. Donations can be made in her memory to Doctors Without Borders.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jan. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Massey

13 Entries

John Langmore

February 14, 2009

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. Her spirit lives on in those who loved her and whom she loved.

Gigi Cohen

February 9, 2009

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 Patkin

February 7, 2009

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 missing her so…

Sadly, the Other Ruth (as she and I used to sign our emails to each other)

John Isaac

January 28, 2009

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

Betsy Meredith

January 27, 2009

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

Pamela Knight

January 26, 2009

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

Gary Davis

January 26, 2009

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

Inge Kaul

January 26, 2009

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 biographies that Ruth knew so many famous people. She also had fascinating friends and worked with eminent people. A person she admired most was perhaps Sir Robert Jackson, a former Under-Secretary General of the United Nations.

Ruth was a wonderful UNDP colleague.
As editor of UNDP News, UNDP's house magazine, she helped maintain strong ties among the staff. Through UNDP News we could find out to which countries colleagues had been transferred and how they were doing. It was largy due to Ruth that we felt like being together although working far away from each other, in many parts of the world.
And of course, even today Ruth's wonderful photographs adorn UNDP corridors and convey perhaps better than anything else what UNDP is about.

Ruth was courageous. She was herself in every respect--also in how she dressed.
She not only read about designers and their fashion ideas. She wore them. And she just looked great--in Issey Miyake's "Pleats Please" pieces, in Yamamoto trousers, and in twisted and torn Comme des Garcons jackets. Her feet, too, got designer treatment--shoes of the softest leather with one compartment for the little four toes and another compartment for the big toe.

Ruth, you were a very special person and a great friend. I will miss you. Inge

Jennifer Dierckx de Casterle

January 26, 2009

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

Maggie Black

January 25, 2009

Dear Ruth, It's hard to picture being in New York without you there, straight down the block, on the left, bell number 13. You were a really special friend, a real original, with a style all your own, whether it was dry martinis, boots, chest of drawers, the kettle, coffee in a jug, Moroccan side lamps, sofa fabrics, or roast chicken and salad. We had so many happy times and great outings together, and I will never forget your wonderful laughter and enthusiasms, or your outrageous and forthright dislikes. I will miss you terribly, never thought we would lose you so soon. What a joy that you had China at your side. Lots of love, Maggie

Anne Meredith

January 25, 2009

My dear, sweet Ruth: so sensitive, so brave. You were a great teacher, and I will never forget what you taught me, for it is etched upon my heart. When we look at China, we also look at you: what a beautiful gift you have given us.
Forever,

Carroll Long

January 25, 2009

My dear friend Ruth - such a wonderful, caring friend, a great photographer, a wise lady, and an inspiring professional....I am missing you already, and shall treasure you in my heart, enjoying many memories in different countries that we shared together...With special gratitude for leaving us your memory, and for gifting the world with China's presence, Carroll (California)

Louise Gubb

January 25, 2009

The Wonderful Ruth. Gone too soon. My life is so much richer for knowing you. I shall miss your wit, your laughter, your wisdom, your enthusiasms and most of all your friendship. I will carry you in my heart always. With love aye

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results