RUTH PEDERSEN

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RUTH PEDERSEN 1932 - 2009 Peacefully, with her family by her side, Ruth Pedersen (Mom and Grammy) passed away on March 16, 2009 at her home in Winnipeg. Ruth fought a lengthy and valiant battle with cancer. Ruth was born in Haderslev, Denmark on November 3, 1932. She was one of three children of Dora and Jorgen Christiansen. She lived her childhood in Lojt-Kirkeby, Denmark. It was 1957, in Denmark that Ruth met the love of her life, Carl Pedersen, a farm-boy from Solbjerg, Denmark. They made plans to re-connect in Canada that spring, and well, the rest is romantic history! Carl and Ruth married on December 14, 1957 in Winnipeg. The following year, they had a son, Jan and a few years later along came their daughter, Connie. Dad and Mom stayed committed to each other for 50 years of love and marriage, until Carl's passing in 2007. Mom and Dad are once again in each other arms today. Ruth and Carl raised their family while establishing their growing business, Shelmerdine Nursery. Times were often challenging, but their love for each other made it all work out. Ruth became an absolute lover of gardening and plants. She had a real knack for making the ordinary beautiful, in home and garden. Ruth really loved to travel with Carl, whether it be a short getaway with a planned picnic at any road side stop or a major excursion. They were fortunate to see most of Canada and USA by car. They also made trips to far away places like China, Mexico, Thailand, Egypt, Australia and Brazil. It seems wherever they went, they made new friends that lasted a lifetime. Over the years, six wonderful grandchildren came into her life for which Grammy always had time for, with wide open ears. She enjoyed listening to any story that was offered with great interest and was extremely proud that her grandchildren would take the time to share with her. Ruth is survived by her two sisters, (twins) Inge (Simon) and Elna; son Jan; daughter Connie and son-in-law Ted; her grandchildren, Kyla, Ryan, Brett, Alia, Thea and Dayna, all will miss her dearly. Ruth will also be sadly missed by her so many friends in Winnipeg. The Winnipeg Danish community was really an extended family that have always been an important part of Ruth's life. Ruth's last few months were spent making many visits to the wonderful staff at Grace CancerCare. There, she received wonderful and compassionate care from Dr. Harris and staff. Our family salutes all the nurses, doctors, spiritual caregivers and administration at the Grace that made Mom's last months peaceful and comfortable. To honour our mother's wishes, a private family service has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Grace CancerCare Fund, in care of The Grace General Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3J 3M7, would be appreciated. TAK FOR ALT Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 19, 2009