Browse, Ruth
Browse, Ruth Gloria (nee Pickering)
November 8, 1933 – December 2, 2021It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Browse on December 2nd, 2021, at Innisfree House in Kitchener. Born in East York, Gloria, who preferred to go by Ruth, was the baby of the family and is predeceased by four of her five siblings – Donald, Lorne, June, and Doris. She is survived by her brother, Russell Pickering (predeceased, Joyce)
Mom’s loving and energetic spirit will endure through her four loving children: Julia Matthews, Jeff Gardiner (Sandra Watzin), Mary Gardiner (Karen Wickiam) and Anna Gardiner. Ruth’s four grandkids; Heather Matthews and Alex Matthews (Karissa Clark) and Victoria Gardiner (James Pasnyk) and Sam Gardiner will miss their grandmother deeply. Former spouses Monica Gardiner (Jeff) and Alan Matthews (Julia) very fondly remember her.
Ruth was a stunning and classic beauty, who caught the eye of Ken Gardiner while she was working as a receptionist at the Del Bodkin car dealership in New Toronto. After a short courtship, they were married on February 13,1960, and four children soon followed. They settled into busy domestic life at their home in Mississauga, Ontario. The family created many happy memories on road trips throughout the years. Although Ken and Ruth eventually divorced, they remained amicable and maintained their mutual friendships with a tight knit group from the New Toronto area. They all enjoyed annual summer reunions in cottage country on the Bruce Peninsula. She will be dearly missed by the remainder of these friends.
Ruth travelled widely with her friends and family, visiting many countries including Greece, England, Scotland, France, Italy, Croatia, Russia, Singapore, China, and Malaysia. Short trips to Florida and Myrtle Beach with her daughters were especially memorable. In 2012, Ruth visited the magnificent country of Norway with her brother Russ.
Mom worked for over 25 years in the Real Estate industry in various administrative roles, retiring in 1999. She moved to Cambridge, Ontario to be closer to her young grandchildren and help care for them. Ruth became an active member of her local community, joining the Probus Seniors Club of Cambridge. Many social functions ensued, and Mom’s circle of friends grew even larger. Lady Ruth, as she was often called, was a busy social butterfly, hosting games of Euchre and Phase 10 or taking an occasional bus trip to catch a play in downtown Toronto. Mom volunteered her time at the Seniors Centre in Hespeler and at the front desk at both Lisaard and Innisfree hospices.
Our family is eternally grateful for the wonderful and compassionate care Mom received in her final weeks at Innisfree. As per the family’s wishes, including Ruth herself, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lisaard/Innisfree in her memory. A private remembrance ceremony will be held to honour her life for immediate family and close friends only. Ruth was cremated as per her wishes and a private interment will follow later.
Though our profound sense of loss at being parted from you may never diminish, the love you gave and received is everlasting.
Rest in Peace Mom.
