Ruth-Marie Braun

Special thanks are due for the years of magnificent medical care Ruth-Marie received in general, and from the Cardiac Unit of St. Mary's General Hospital in particular.

Our gratitude also extends to her supportive friends, and the amazing community of nurses and P.S.W.'s who not only provided tender, competent care, but also brought us a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and information from their many different languages, cultures, experiences, and backgrounds.

As an only child, Ruth-Marie cherished her relatives and cousins, and was tasked with looking after parents who were in continued ill health. Fortunately, she was a superb cook, and adept at many crafts and other activities.

Ruth-Marie was a lifelong active member of St. Matthew's Church and participated, variously, in the choir and the Council, as well as the Worship and Music, Altar, and Property Committees.

After Grade 13, Ruth-Marie attended Teacher's College and began teaching at the elementary level before transferring to the Secondary level where she taught many different subjects at the old St. Mary's High School, and then Resurrection Catholic Secondary School, spending 16 of her 35 teaching years as a Vice Principal and occasional Acting Principal. Upon retirement, she taught Adult Education for another five years.

Educationally, in addition to various professional specializations, Ruth-Marie completed a B.A. in German and Sociology, an M.A. in German, and was working on her Ph.D. dissertation in Sociology when her mother developed a brain tumour and she had to stop. All of this education she completed while working full time during evenings, weekends, and summers except for one regular university year during which she was in charge of an entire residence.

How she accomplished all of this, and the manner in which she did it, is still a mystery to Ron, her spouse of 30 years, who is also surprised that she actually seemed to appreciate some of his annoying poems and puns.

Ruth-Marie was a wonderful, loving wife, a great mom to our beloved dog Maggie, and a faithful friend and mentor to many people. She led a kind, caring, generous, and very productive life.

Ruth-Marie's family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener, (519-743-8900). Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Monday, March 14, 2022 from 1:00 - 1:45 p.m., where the funeral service will be held in the chapel at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Sebastian Meadows-Helmer officiating. Cremation will follow. Interment at a later date at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations would be appreciated to St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 54 Benton St., Kitchener, ON N2G 3H2, or to St. Mary's Regional Cardiac Care Centre, 911 Queen's Blvd., Kitchener, ON N2M 1B2. Online condolences at www.westmountfuneralchapel.com