January 9, 1935 - July 13, 2021
Ruth has begun a new journey on July 13th, 2021. She has been called to glory and has gone home. She was predeceased by parents Stanley and Esther Mason, brother Bruce Mason, husband Ralph Elmer Bergman, daughter Sharon Bergman, grandson Marin Michael Bergman, Aunts Edna Knight, and Mable Patterson. Cousins Bill Patterson and John Patterson. She was survived by sons Michael (Shirley) Bergman, Richard (Heidi) Bergman, grandsons Mason Bergman (Nathan Prince) and Connor Bergman, Eric (Mandie)Bergman great grandson Lucas Bergman, Cousins Bob (Joyce) Patterson, Sister-in-law Arlene Mason (Addi), Childhood best friend Joy Horne and their families.
Ruth was born January" 9th, 1935, in Winnipeg Manitoba. She grew up in Charleswood. She met and married Ralph, and they moved between various OPP postings before finally ending up in Kenora. She raised her 3 children Sharon, Michael, and Rick in their house on Third Street. She also raised her grandsons, Marin, and Eric there after the loss of Sharon to cancer. Mom loved the outdoors especially fishing. She owned her own boat which was named the “Bismarck” because it spent a lot of time at the bottom of the lake tied to a dock requiring rescue by friends and family. She was one of the early volunteers for the KBI, Kenora Bass international. She also help organize the Annual Ladies Fishing Derby. Ruth loved being on the lake and at camp.
Ruth worked outside the home with Welcome Wagon, then was the Avon lady. She returned to school and graduated from Confederation College in 1977. She went on the work for the Ontario Ministry of Health Insurance Plan in their Kenora office, thus became the OHIP Lady. It was during that time that mom’s social activism really became a powerful part of her life. She became very involved with the union, holding many positions on the local, regional, and national levels. She rose to Executive Board Member for Region 7 of the OPSEU and positions with in NUPGE/CLC. She was awarded lifetime membership in the N.D.P. for her service on behalf of workers.
It was while raising her grandsons Marin and Eric, that she became a voice for and participated in the early Disability Rights Committees. She took an active part in the School System by serving as a Kenora School Board member. Ruth became a very active and vocal advocate for women, the disabled and the LGBTQ+ communities along with numerous other causes. It could be said that if you could convince Ruth of your cause she would fight for you. For her hard work Ruth received many awards and accolades that are too numerous to mention.
She participated in many aspects of parish life within Bethesda, serving on the worship and music committees and leading in many other areas. It was said by a Church member; “We will miss your mom. She always kept us in line.” Ruth always sought the best in people saying, “People are people first”. She just accepted folks for who they were. She will be missed by all.
In lieu of Flowers, please donate to a Charity you would choose in her name. A Celebration of Life for Ruth will be held at Brown’s Funeral Home on July 29, 2021, at 2pm. Because of Covid limitations there will be a Facebook Live event for those not able to come.
A Celebration is planned by the family on July 13, 2022, so that we can honour Mom’s desire for hospitality.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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