It is with heavy hearts and a glass raised to a life lived beautifully that we announce the passing of Ruth Polzler, a woman of extraordinary elegance, intellect, and an unshakeable joy for life.
Ruth passed away surrounded by the love of the family she so cherished.
From Schweinfurt to the Shores of Lake Ontario
Born in 1933 in Schweinfurt, Germany, Ruth was the fourth of ten children. In 1952, at the age of 19, she boarded a ship for Canada, seeking a new horizon. While she remained forever proud of her heritage, she fully embraced her adopted home, often remarking with a smile:
"I was born in Germany and look German, but on the inside, I am Canadian."
Fate intervened in 1954 at the Jackson Point Dance Hall on Lake Simcoe, where she met Frank J. Polzler, an immigrant from Austria.
The spark between the two was immediate; they were married in 1955, beginning a partnership built on shared ambition.
Ruth became a devoted mother to Pamela (1956) and Michael (1966), creating a home defined by warmth and impeccable standards.
After 25 years of marriage, Ruth and Frank divorced, and Ruth stepped into a new chapter of her life with a spirit that would lead to a successive string of broken hearts.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Success
Ruth was never one to settle for the status quo.
n 1968, while managing a household, she returned to night school to complete her high school education. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Toronto, where she pursued her passion for language and expression through a degree in Creative Writing.
This dedication transitioned into a formidable professional career.
Ruth spent 25 years at Bayer AG of Canada, serving as a Personal Assistant to several Presidents. Known for her discretion and sharp wit, she was the "trusted source" for incoming leadership, navigating the corporate world with the same grace she brought to the dance floor.
While she retired from her career at age 65, her passion for dancing remained a lifelong rhythm she never abandoned.
A Legacy of Elegance and Joie de Vivre
Ruth lived by a double-mantra: that "only the best was good enough" and the steadfast resolve to "make the most of every situation."
She was a woman of stunning beauty and style, possessing a magnetic charm that made her the most mesmerizing presence in any room.
Her interests were as vast as they were refined; she was a true aficionado of classical music and a lover of fine food, art, and the opera. A voracious reader, she curated an impressive library at her home, remaining a vivid observer of current affairs and a lifelong student of the world.
Her positive demeanor and "laissez-faire" attitude left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
In her later years, Ruth embraced her love for travel, exploring the world with the same curiosity she held as a young woman. She found great happiness in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Her Final Wish
Even in her departure, Ruth’s strength and optimism remained her guiding light. To those she loved, she left a final, characteristic request:
"Do not shed a tear when I am gone; I had a wonderful life."
Though her perpetual dance through this life has come to a quiet close, the beauty and elegance she brought into the world remain eternal.
Ruth is survived by her children, Pamela and Michael, her many grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren, all of whom carry a piece of her spirited legacy.
Funeral Details
Show location:
Visitation
Turner & Porter - Yorke Chapel
2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P4
Get Directions
Friday, 6 Mar 2026 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Chapel Service
Turner & Porter - Yorke Chapel
2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P4
Get Directions
Friday, 6 Mar 2026 10:30 AM
Burial
Park Lawn Cemetery
2845 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M8X 3A1
Get Directions