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MARGARET RUTH DOWSE
Date of Passing: Feb 25, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARGARET RUTH DOWSE On February 25, 2016, Margaret Ruth Dowse came to the end of a life well lived. Ruth was born in Birmingham, England in 1932, and grew up in Stockton on Tees. Ruth is survived by her brothers, John (Lynda) and Richard (Lucy); and sister Helen (John); along with her sister in-law Mary who all live in the UK; her sons, David (Eileen), Tim (Helen), Michael (Stacey); and daughter Kate (Eric); and grandchildren, Bryan, Kathleen, John, Carl, Ben, Aidan, Riley, and Zoe miss her already. She was predeceased by her husband Charles in 2006 and by two of their children, Andrew in 1964 and Peter in 1969. At age 18 Ruth began her nursing career, training at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, and she spent seven happy years as a nurse and midwife. Ruth and Charles met in 1951 and were married in 1957, and remained best friends throughout their marriage. They first moved to Rochester, NY and from there to Winnipeg in 1960, where they raised their family. Ruth lived in the same house in Winnipeg for 53 years, and throughout that time she could be depended on to look after neighbourhood children, gardens and houses, all of which she greatly enjoyed. It was her own garden that drew in many visitors, and she was eager to share her love of plants and flowers with all who stopped by. She was easy to talk to, quick to help, and had a consistently positive outlook. For 25 years Ruth volunteered at the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature, where she put her love of tiny things and her knowledge of plants to good use. She assisted in the creation of several of the museums full sized and miniature dioramas, and enjoyed being part of a close knit team. Recently Ruth moved to the Grace Hospice, where she received excellent care. Ruth's family would like to thank all the staff at the Grace Hospice for their skill and compassion. Thanks also to her friends and neighbours for all the help they have given her since Charles died, and especially for their concern and support during her illness. The family would also like to thank the unknown blood donors who helped Ruth maintain her quality of life in her final months. In honour of Ruth's memory, you are asked to be kind to others, as she was. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Red Cross, The Salvation Army or Doctors Without Borders. Cremation will take place and a private family memorial will be held.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2016
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Mrs. Dowse was always very warm and welcoming to me whenever I would come by the house to see her daughter. She had a great sense of humor and from what I remember a very green thumb when it came to plants. I often thought about stopping by and saying hello to her over the years but unfortunately never did because I thought it might be awkward since the last time I saw her was 1988. I wish I had. Kate and family I am very sad to hear of her passing (and that of your fathers several years ago). Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. - Posted by: Scott Hosie (Family friend) on: Dec 20, 2016
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I think of Ruth and my heart smiles. - Posted by: Jeannette Lupien (Former neighbour) on: Nov 02, 2016
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I remember Ruth as a warm, enthusiastic nurturer and nature lover. I am grateful to her for her influence on me, not the least of which was her love of creatures great and small. She even gave me a small magnifying glass in order to to see the little ones better. Thank you Ruth for your presence! The world is a better place for it! - Posted by: Suzanne Shephard (Former neighbour) on: Nov 01, 2016
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Although many years have passed, the impact of Ruth remains. I remember her as being very encouraging and hospitable - a cup of tea always ready. The announcement of her passing accurately captures the essence of of a woman who remains with me today. Lovely picture. - Posted by: Sheila Almdal (Old acquaintance ) on: Mar 14, 2016
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I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of Ruth. We have known each other for many years. Our husbands worked at the Dental Faculty at University of Manitoba in the 1960's and we often got together socially and traded advice about raising our kids. She was a very special person and will certainly be missed. - Posted by: Susan Hamilton (Friend for many years) on: Mar 01, 2016
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I will miss you forever. Rest peacefully my friend. - Posted by: Tannis Browning (Friend) on: Feb 27, 2016
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Your mom’s passing saddened us both very much. We met Ruth fairly recently when both she and Nina were confined to the Grace Hospital; your mom with a hip replacement and Nina with a fractured pelvis. Needless to say Nina was in considerable pain and was also very discouraged. And, in spite of her own considerable pain, Ruth took to Nina like a duck does to water encouraging her to take a few steps and most of all to think positively and reinforcing her message with penned notes and letters. So much so, that Nina declared Ruth to be her Guardian Angel. And, upon their eventual discharge from the hospital, Ruth and Nina extended their friendship with telephone calls to one another. We will miss the beautiful English accent and the beautiful person very much. May Ruth rest-in-peace now. Forever remembered. Nina and Doug Hutton - Posted by: Doug and Nina Hutton (friend) on: Feb 27, 2016