Ruth Caroline Paterson

Ruth Caroline (Taylor) Paterson passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in Woodstock, Ontario in her 91st year, with Elvis hymns playing in the background. Ruth was born in Hamilton, Ontario on August 14, 1934, daughter of Ethel Melvina (Webster/Taylor) Hunter and Munson Lindsay Taylor. Sister to Floyd Lindsay (Bob) Taylor (deceased), who is survived by his loving wife Patricia and their sons Bob and Paul of Alberta, and Sean (deceased). Ruth married George Morton Paterson in August 1957, divorced in 1983, but they remained friends always. Loving children of this marriage are Judi (Olli), Linda (Gary) and George M (aka Mike) (Matet). Ruth was the proud Grandmother to Derek (Whitney) and Tara (Chris), Brennan and Brianna, and George Mitchell (Mitch), and Great-Grandmother to Hudson and Raili, and Lennon and Lainey. She will also be missed by some very special life-long friends that were loving influences in her life, whom she cherished very deeply. Ruth retired from Mohawk College, Health Sciences Campus, after 18 years of service, and often spoke of her adoration for friends and colleagues that she worked with as part of her "Mohawk family". Ruth was very dedicated to her Christian faith, and in her previously own written words, "I have been blessed with so many good friends at St. Andrews. My life has been enriched immeasurably by sharing with them worship, music, choir performances, interaction in Bible Studies, Committees, and of course many social occasions and meals together. Many thanks to them all for the love and caring provided to me over many years. They gave me a great gift." Ruth also had a passion for helping others, and was very committed to her volunteer work with the Elizabeth Fry Society, Interval House and various organizations supporting Indigenous women. Ruth was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease in 2016, and at the end of her life was coping with very advanced stages of dementia. She resided at Caressant Care Nursing Home, and then Woodingford Lodge in Woodstock, where she was living at the time of her death. She was very well taken care of by the Long-Term care staff in both locations, and the family would like to express immense gratitude to all who took care of Ruth over the years. Her love for music resonated almost to the end of her life, with the tapping of her toes or a hand on her wheelchair, and it seemed to be one of the last ways to engage or express what she was feeling to others even though she could not communicate this verbally. Ruth's family is truly moved by the strength and determination she showed in the face of such a difficult illness, and she will continue to be an inspiration to all of us. We will always love and admire her. If desired, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrews United Church General Fund, Interval House of Hamilton, and Wesley Urban Ministries.