Burns (née Martindale), Ruth Marie - Obituaries | Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative

Burns (née Martindale), Ruth Marie

BURNS (NÉE MARTINDALE), Ruth Marie

1936 - 2021

BURNS, Ruth Marie - It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear Mom on Thursday October 14, 2021, the most inspirational, courageous, kind, compassionate person we have ever known.

Ruth Marie Burns was born on October 6, 1936 in Cane Township.  She worked as a registered nurse in both the hospital setting and for various physicians over the years.  She was a valuable member of the Catholic Woman’s League (CWL) and just received her 55 year service pin.  Ruth gave countless hours of her time volunteering for various organizations and charities. She was instrumental in ensuring the Tri-Town area had accessible transportation and was a founding member of P.R.O.D. (People Ruling Over Disabilities).  Despite the fact that Ruth was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in her 20’s, this disease never stopped her from fighting to keep her independence and remain living in her own home.  Through the Direct Funding Independent Living program, she was able to remain at home.  She participated in interviews through the program to allow others the same ability.  Special thanks to her many personal support caregivers throughout the years.  Without your care, time and love, Mom could not have remained at home.  There are no words to express our gratitude.
Ruth loved all things nature and there was nothing she loved more than feeding and watching her birds and chipmunks and spending time sitting in her carport enjoying the fresh air.  She always looked forward to visits from her many friends and family.

Ruth is predeceased by her husband Robert (Bob) Burns, parents James and Violet Martindale, siblings Bob (Joan), Bill (Anita) and Ann Catherine.  She is survived by her Sister Mary-Lou (Bob) Bolger, Brother-In-Law Randy (Heather) Sherman and Sister-In-Law Cathy.  Her children Bill (Alison), Catherine (Ron), Joanne (Andre) and grandchildren Jessica, Laken, James, Justin, Quinn and Dustin.  Great-grandchildren Makaiya, Myla and Emmitt.

Special thanks to the nurses at the Temiskaming Hospital, to Dr. Pat Logan, and to Pharmacists Bruce Alexander and Will Lickei.  Your care and kindness over the years have been greatly appreciated.

The family will welcome friends at Perrin Funeral Chapel on Sunday, October 17 from  2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday October 18, at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, New Liskeard at 9:30am. Internment:  St. Raymond’s Cemetery, Cane Township.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (https://muscle.akaraisin.com/ui/directgiving/donations/star) or a charity of your choice. 

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28 messages received

Catherine Evans

Words can't begin to express the grief you are feeling as your mourn the loss of your mom. Keep her in your heart, keep her in your prayers. Speak with her everyday. Find a way to honour her memory everyday...and as the days, weeks and months pass I hope the hurt you feel diminishes and the love you have for your mom continues to grow.

God Bless. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Oliver Salvati, October 15, 2021

Joanne and Andre and family

Our deepest sympathies. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Love Laury and Paul

Laury Lamoureux , October 15, 2021

Catherine Evans

I am very sad to hear about your loss. Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman and soul. Cherish all those lovely moments you had together as they will forever stay engraved in your hearts. I extend my sincere condolescences to you and your whole family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Gail xxx

Gail St-Pierre, October 15, 2021

Catherine Evans

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. May God give you and your family strength to endure this great loss. Take care

Olivier Mulunda , October 15, 2021

Cathy, Joanne and Bill

To my oldest and dearest friend and your family, I have such vivid memories of Ruth in your home on Arthur Street, always a smile on her face and kindness in her voice. She was the epitome of all of the qualities you attributed to her. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know that time will help ease your pain. Until then I hope you’ll find comfort knowing that my heart is with all of you and wishing you peace. Love you guys.

Marisa Scocchia, October 15, 2021

Joanne, Andre, and family

Sending deepest condolences for the loss of your Mom.
She was such a kind and caring person who I looked up to and loved.
I have so many rich memories of your Mom (and your Dad), they were a big part of my teen years.
I will miss visiting her at Christmas. She will always be remembered in my heart.
Sending love and hugs to you and your family.

Jolene, October 15, 2021

Cathy, Joanne, Bill and all of your families

Gilles and I would like to express our deepest condolences in this difficult time. Your mom was very special to us. She is the symbol of courage and perseverance. We will miss her.

Gilles and Monique Bujold, October 15, 2021

Ruth's Family

You all have our deepest sympathies, your mother was a wonderful, wonderful person and she will be greatly missed.

Don and Karen Cornell

Don Cornell, October 15, 2021

Catherine Evans

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom. She sounds like an amazing woman who has accomplished so much good in her lifetime. May you take comfort in the many memories you have to cherish.

Shelley Frohlich, October 15, 2021

Ruth Burn’s family

Ruth was a very special person who we will all miss. May she Rest In Peace.

Ron and Anne Bailey, October 15, 2021

Catherine and Ron

Sorry to both of you for your loss, I did not know your mother personally but I did hear a lot of inspirational stories during conversations with Ron, the world would be a much better place if we had more mom’s like yours.

Take care and stay safe

Jamie Pike, October 15, 2021

Joanne and Family

I am sending all the love, hugs and kisses your way. I am so sorry for your loss of you mother. She will always be looking down at you and forever be in your heart. Love ya ❤️

Lena Doucette , October 15, 2021

Bill , Cathy & Joanne

We are very sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Over the years I have always looked forward to our annual conversations and we'll miss her very much.
Love
Donna & Don

Donna Johnson, October 16, 2021

Jessica and Family

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your grandma. She was a wonderful lady. You are all in my thoughts during these difficult times.

Lindsay, October 16, 2021

Cathy, Joanne, Bill and families

I spent a lot of time with your mom when working for Timiskaming Home Support years ago. We remained great friends since then and never lost touch. She was such an inspiration. She was always there to listen, always praying for everyone else. She was such an amazing lady. I called her on her birthday but didn’t get in a last visit. So sorry for the pain you are all going through. She will never be forgotten. She has received her official angel wings now

Sherry Leveille, October 16, 2021

Cathy, Joanne, Bill and families

I spent a lot of time with your mom when working for Timiskaming Home Support years ago. We remained great friends since then and never lost touch. She was such an inspiration. She was always there to listen, always praying for everyone else. She was such an amazing lady. I called her on her birthday but didn’t get in a last visit. So sorry for the pain you are all going through. She will never be forgotten. She has received her official angel wings now.

Sherry Leveille, October 16, 2021

Catherine & Ron

We are saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. Our deepest condolences. Richard & Elizabeth Sloot & family

Richard Sloot, October 17, 2021

Cathy, Joanne, Billy and families

Heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Although it has been some time since we've had the pleasure to spent time with Aunt Ruth, I have very fond memories of her. She had an endearing way of making you feel special. She cared and made an effort to speak to each person, she made you feel important. Aunt Ruth, had a beautiful presence and energy that filled the room. She was courageous, kind, compassionate and she will always be inspirational. Lucky for all of you to have the privilege of being raised and dearly loved by an incredible human being.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the pain you feel now, swiftly change to treasuring the beautiful memories you made together.

Best regards,

Cyndi & Bernie, Cassia, Colin, Thomas and families. XO

Cyndi (Martindale) Cormier, October 17, 2021

Ruth's family

Ruth was always there for me and I had the greatest love and respect for her...I will miss her wisdom and kindness. May your memories of good times comfort you!

Susan Naismith, October 17, 2021

Catherine and Ron, And family

Condolences to all of you. She was an inspiration to all. Her light shines in you.

Dave and Marie

Marie Jozwiak , October 17, 2021

Cathy, Joanne and Bill

My heart goes out to all of you during this most difficult time.
Ruth was a very special lady and l know she will continue to look over all of you.
Hugs, Sue xo

Sue Benoit, October 17, 2021

The Family of Ruth Burns

I work for the Direct Funding Program in Toronto and had the extreme pleasure of meeting Ruth for the first in 1999. Since then we've met many times (often virtually but a few times in person too) when she helped us with interviews for other applicants to the program. She has been a stalwart supporter of the Program and any other initiatives that help people with disabilities to gain greater independence.
I am truly sorry to hear of Ruth's passing and offer deepest condolences from myself, and so many of the program staff who enjoyed working with Ruth. The world is a better place because of Ruth and she will be missed.

Leisa DeBono, October 18, 2021

Catherine Evans

My sincere condolences Catherine on the loss of your mom, she sounds like a truly amazing woman. Thinking of you, and hoping you can find the strength to manage through these difficult days.

Stephanie Delahey, October 18, 2021

Catherine Evans

May God give you strength especially over these next days and months as you deal with the loss of your Mom. The loss of a mother leaves a huge hole in your heart and in your life, but she will always be with you in spirit. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Lean on each other and on your friends for support. We are here for you.

Cathy Judd, October 18, 2021

Aunt Ruth's Family

I was very sad to hear the news about Aunt Ruth.

I remember the kindness and generosity she always showed when we visited her home. I have some wonderful memories of some of the special times we spent together.

My thoughts are with her family especially my cousins.

Terry, Shelby and Sydney Martindale, October 18, 2021

Cath

We are so saddened by the unexpected passing of your mom. Our love goes out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lots of love Elizabeth, Hannah, Will and Oliver

Elizabeth Christiansen, October 18, 2021

The Burns family

Sending heartfelt condolences to all of you on the loss of an inspiring lady. May your many treasured memories help bring you comfort.
Sincerely,Darren & Carol Hearn and family

Carol Hearn, October 19, 2021

Catherine Evans and family

Sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family Catherine. May the wonderful memories you have of your mom carry you through this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Amy Dittmer, October 21, 2021