Ruth Evelina nee Smith Norman

Ruth passed away early in the morning of November 25, 2025, after over a decade living with Alzheimer’s disease and more recently facing the progression of lymphoma and leukemia.

Ruth is predeceased by her beloved husband John (2017). They celebrated fifty-two happy years of marriage before John’s death. Ruth is survived by her daughters Jen (John) and Jill (Brian) and her cherished grandchildren Josh, Rebecca, Ava, and Emerson.

Ruth grew up in London, Ontario and as her memory faded it was London that Ruth considered to be her home – even after living in Etobicoke for 60 years. She spent her days with her beloved family – parents Ivan and Donalda, and her sisters Barbara (Gene Corbet) and Kathryn (Paul McCarroll). Ruth loved her time at Broughdale Public School and Medway High School, and she was a loyal alumna of UWO.

Ruth’s family grew to include John’s family - parents Jack and Ivy Norman, brother Don and wife Mary, and sister Liz. Ruth was the proud Aunt and Great-Aunt to many nieces and nephews. She loved all her family fiercely and she was happy to remember birthdays and anniversaries, and to stay connected with family across the country.
Ruth spent her Grade 13 year at Neuchâtel Junior College in Switzerland. This year ignited not only her love of travel but also her love of the French language. This led to a career as a teacher, and she enjoyed her years teaching first in London, then Etobicoke, and for most of her career teaching French at Neil C. Matheson Public School in Mississauga.

As her daughters grew, Ruth was an enthusiastic brownie leader, softball convener, high school basketball fan, and ski race timer among other activities. She was a long-time volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society, following the hours of dedication by her parents to this organization. And she loved a good hand of bridge, a game that she enjoyed often with friends and family.

Ruth was a true friend to many. She had lifelong friends that she had known for over eighty years from her childhood in London. And she added new friends from her many summers at Camp Inawendawin, her years as a Pi Phi, Caledon Ski Club, University Women’s Club – Etobicoke, and the Markland crew.

Jen and Jill will always remember their mom as the one that added magic to every holiday and celebration. She loved treats and would always have some kind of chocolate on hand to share. And her new hors d’oeuvre offerings were eagerly awaited each season. Ruth was warm and loving and showed us that this could exist along with being feisty!

We want to thank the nurses and PSWs at West Park Long Term Care Centre who have helped to take care of Ruth. And we especially want to express our love and thanks to Coreen, Ruth’s nurse, who has been with Ruth for over five years. Coreen went above and beyond to ensure that Ruth lived the best life possible during the cruel progression of Alzheimer’s.

We will remember Ruth in one of her favourite places – sitting on the deck at the cottage, glass of wine in hand, remarking on the beautiful sunset that marked the end of another beautiful day.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at a later date.