RUBY T. SWARTZ I

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RUBY T. SWARTZ I tell of Life - this seed is love When first 'tis born with roots unseen, Until full blown, exquisite, rare! A bud to know - awakening. Our darling mother, Ruby Swartz, could always surprise her family. Constantly able to change and adapt, she was beautiful, playful, stunningly quick-witted and funny; honest, romantic, loyal, intelligent, elegant and wise. She revelled in music and dance, in each sunset, in roses and poetry, and she backed and supported her family generously in every possible way. Dignified, mischievous, an optimist with a delightful sense of humour. Kibitzer. Friend. Her smile brightened the gloomiest day. The family's moral compass and loving mother to Jo (Richard), Mark (Helen) and Jill (Mike); grandmother to Sarah and Zachary. Ruby Theresa Swartz was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Mellie; dearest parents Rachel and Samuel Rabinovitch; sisters Anne, Lottie and Munnie; brothers Arthur Rabinovitch and Maurice Robinson; in-laws Vita and Naftula Swartz, Jean and Sam Blumenthal, Yhetta Lewis and Joe Swartz; Maxie and Bingo. Deeply missed by brother Seymour Rabinovitch (Flora) and Mimi Robinson; nieces Marsha Schwartzman (Sid) and Beverly Lewis-Harris (Peter), nieces and nephews throughout Canada and the USA, cousins and dear friends. Born in Montreal, one of seven siblings, Ruby's family initially experienced comfort until the Great Depression and the Second World War. Her attitudes and life were shaped by these events. It grieved her that, due to finances, she was unable to continue with her formal education. Not exactly frugal, she was careful, never wasteful. Deafness was a trial, especially when she moved from her family's city, Montreal, to Winnipeg where, at first, she knew no one. She read widely, and was keenly interested in theatre, music, and dance. Our mother and father, Mel, sincerely encouraged their children's pleasure and participation in the Arts. Ruby and Mel shared a tender longlasting love. For 60 years, from their marriage in 1946, cards and flowers, poetry and fun flowed between them. They loved dancing. Until their last days, they attended the ballet, symphony, theatre and opera. Our mother's generous devotion to our family was truly unstinting. She was highly proud of her brother, Seymour, adored her grandchildren, Sarah and Zack; and so appreciated her niece, Marsha. A lifetime member of Hadassah-Wizo and the Winnipeg Art Gallery, our mother, with our father, supported innumerable projects in the arts, education, medicine and social issues. We are deeply grateful to those people who took such loving and tender care with our mother, especially in her last two years. Ruby took an interest in the hearts and minds of those around her. She never stopped growing and developing, learning and loving.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 01, 2010