RUBY HELEN CURTIS (LIVINGSTONE)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RUBY HELEN CURTIS (nee LIVINGSTONE) Our mother left us peacefully on Sunday, March 14, 2010 after a well-lived life. She is survived by her loving husband of 72 years Archie, sisters Phyllis Zlotnick (Al), Elva Gallagher of Edmonton, her devoted children Alan Curtis (June), Adele Spence (Jack), Elinor Remple (Tom), Helen Gray (Bob) and grand-children, Rochelle, Shay-Leigh, Kelly, Karen, David, Jill , Jennifer, Kurt, Darren, and great grandchildren, Tessa, Katie, Lexie, Joe, Caylin as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Winona O'Keefe, Verna Bound, Roy Livingstone and Harry Livingstone. Mom was born in Pembroke, Ontario May 7, 1914 to Jessie and Martin Livingstone. Her early years were spent growing up in Headingley where she attended Phoenix School, followed by the University of Manitoba and the Provincial Normal School. She taught for several years in the rural schools, married Archie Curtis in 1938 and had four children. She re-entered the teaching profession for the Winnipeg School Division teaching at both Carpathia and Wolseley Schools for 20 years. She took early retirement to travel, study and do volunteer work. At the age of 73 she received her B.A. degree in the History of Art from the University of Winnipeg. For many years mom was an active member and volunteer of St. Andrews River Heights United Church teaching Sunday School, CGIT and church vacation school. She belonged to many groups Women's Canadian Club, English Speaking Union of the Commonwealth, Unit 17 UCW, Council of Women, Red Cross Group, Winnipeg Art Gallery, University Women's Club and others. Our mom was a true inspiration to us all. Her loving commitment to her family and friends, her focus on education, her lifelong goal to keep healthy and fit and her involvement in the community will always be remembered by her family. Mom lived her 95 years with a positive attitude and enjoyed all the theme birthdays we had for her, the many outings for lunches, fashion shows, travels abroad, trips to BC to be with Helen and her family, gardening, reading, writing, music, walking, being a very supportive grandma, the cottage at Lake of Two Mountains, making home made soups and her famous buns and raisin pies. Her love of writing was evident in her contribution to the Headingley History Book about the Livingstones. Mom resided in the family home in River Heights her entire life and most recently moved to Tuxedo Villa. Many thanks to the wonderful staff for their kindness and compassionate care. Also thanks for the pastoral visits from St. Andrew's River Heights United Church. Donations in mom's memory to the Scholarship Trust Fund of the University Women's Club, 54 Westgate, would be welcomed to honour her love of learning or to the Memorial Garden at Headingley United Church. A celebration of Ruby's life will be held at the University Women's Club for family and close friends at a later date. Our Mom will always be remembered, missed and loved by everyone. She was the best!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 27, 2010