With sadness, we announce the passing of our mother, and Nana and Great-Nana, Ruth Elizabeth Freeman (nee Cooke) of Guelph, on Thursday, July 13, 2023. She died peacefully in the night, with family at her side.
Ruth was born in Toronto on April 16, 1933 to parents William Lambert Cooke and Esther Mary Jones. She was educated at Blythwood Public School, Lawrence Park Collegiate and the Macdonald Institute at the University of Guelph. As a child, she developed love for a number of pursuits: She was an accomplished figure-skater and followed the sport her whole life. She had a deep, lifelong passion for the Big Rideau Lake where her family spent summers at their island cottage. She loved wildflowers and wild birds, learning much from her grandfather, a renowned author on the topic, judge James Edmund Jones. She sewed, quilted and crafted; she enjoyed being a member of the Guelph Quilter’s Guild of Guelph for many years. And she was a constant reader, even when blind in one eye and requiring large-print books and bright light.
She met her future husband, Morris (Moe) Graham Freeman, while they were both at school in Guelph; they married in Toronto on March 24, 1956. Three boys followed, and much fun and adventure. The family made homes in Hamilton, Ithaca NY, Guelph, and for a year in Switzerland where Ruth took up skiing at age 42. And they established their own cottage on the Big Rideau. Ruth travelled often with Moe as he conducted business around the world, and they enjoyed a year in Oxford UK just prior to his retirement.
Other passions and pursuits included...
She loved chocolate!
Until her eyesight started to fail, she enjoyed jigsaw puzzles. One was always on the go at the Rideau cottage, and in her retirement-home room.
She really enjoyed a good game of cards; she and Moe belonged to a neighborhood Bridge group for years, card games were common after diner fare at the cottage, and Ruth and her daughter-in-law Karen conducted an ongoing cribbage match.
The family enjoyed many ski vacations, most often at Kimberley ON. When in Switzerland, Ruth joined the family in skiing down from the top of Schilthorn mountain!
She enjoyed family dogs during her childhood, and she loved all her “grand dogs and cats” over the years.
Ruth leaves behind sons David (Laura, Erin, Monica and husband Steve and great-granddaughter Sadie), Michael (Odette, Thomas, Danielle, John), Paul (Karen), loving sister Eleanor Dickey (nee Cooke), and numerous wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. She was predeceased by her parents, siblings Esther and Bill, and dear husband, Moe.
She gave her boys and grandchildren one lasting and powerful gift: unconditional love. In this world of trials and tribulations, it has been a strong foundation for us all.
A celebration of life will be held in Guelph sometime in the fall; details to be announced. We send heartfelt thanks to the management and staff of Wellington Terrace in Guelph which provided Ruth with outstanding support and care for ten years. In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations be made to Hospice Wellington (hospicewellington.org) which offered wonderful comfort in Ruth’s final days. Memories and condolences can be shared at dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/guelph-on/ruth-freeman
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