MARY RUTH MCLEAN (STRONACH) -

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MARY RUTH MCLEAN (nee STRONACH) 1916 - 2009 It is with sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at West Park Manor with her daughters by her side. Ruth is survived by two daughters, Mary Lynne (Len) Barnsley and Catherine (Lyle) Barnsley; grandchildren, Doug (Gail), Michael (Meghan), Gordon, Robert (Amy) and Christa (Daniel); great-grandchildren, Sarah, Julie, James, Matthew, Joshua and Simon. Ruth was predeceased by husband Ron (1966), infant son (l954), parents John and Mary Stronach, three siblings, John Stronach, Helen Payne and Esther Stronach. Ruth attended schools in Norwood, Holy Cross, Robert H. Smith, Kelvin High School, Wesley College and lastly School of Art in Winnipeg. She was employed by Eaton's, Brigden's Commercial Art Firm, Co-owned Young World Tots to Teens Store in Dauphin, University of Manitoba Dafoe Library Circulation Dept. and retired from the University of Manitoba Dental Library on September 23, 1981 after becoming the first library assistant in technical services. Mum married Ronald James McLean on Saturday, June 27, 1942 at St. Andrews United Church, River Heights. They spent 24 years together until Dad's passing in 1966. Mum loved painting, singing and playing the piano, going to Sandy Hook, spending time with her grandchildren, lunching and shopping with family and friends. We will miss her lovingly prepared birthday cakes, biscuits and oatcakes. Mum was involved with Westworth United Church since its inception; past member of Circle 1 (Unit 1), Membership and Fellowship Committee, Seniors Group, 20-90 Group and lastly Aces. Mum cared for many in her lifetime, be they family or friends. We will miss her singing, poetry and little Scottish quips. The most important legacy Mum gave us was her complete and constant love and dedication. She gave us life and our memories with her will be the centre of our lives forever. We would like to thank our special friends Hermina (Peter), Danny, Margaret, Rae and Mavis for their kindness, compassion and support to Mum and our family. We also want to thank the staff, residents and families of West Park Manor that visited, gave their blessings and supported Mum and ourselves in the last difficult days. Cremation has taken place. A private family interment was held September 8, 2009 officiated by Rev. Clark Saunders and Rev. Eleanor Geib. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Ave. with Rev. Clark Saunders and Rev. Dr. Eleanor Geib officiating. A reception following the service will be held in the gymnasium. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 16, 2009