Galbraith, Ruth (Died)

Passed away peacefully at Caressant Care Retirement Home in Woodstock on Saturday, July 31st, 2010 at the age of 95. Born in Burford, Ontario in 1915, she was the daughter of Fred Fydell and Sarah (nee Wade). Her father was a United Church Minister and she spent her early years living in many locations in southern Ontario, graduating from High School in Windsor. After getting her teaching certificate in London she taught in northern Ontario at Nakina for two years (an experience she always looked back on fondly) and later in Howick Township. In 1942 she married Gerald Galbraith of Gorrie where she settled after the war and raised four children on a 100 acre family farm. She was active in the Gorrie United Church for many years as a Sunday School leader and with various women's groups. She returned to teaching in 1960 at schools in Howick and Wallace Townships and taught until 1979. After retirement she was active in genealogy work and as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for several years. She was always interested in the world around her and in 1994 at age 79 she achieved her dream of traveling to Ireland, England and Scotland to explore ancestral roots. After retirement she moved away from the farm near Gorrie where she had spent 35 years and spent time living in Listowel, Brussels, Wingham and finally in Woodstock. She is survived by sons Paul (Margaret) and Donald, and daughter Judith Ann (Max DeMedeiros). She was the beloved grandmother of Eric, Susanna (Ryan Waldron), Jennifer (David Holmes), Kerry (Brian Main), Adam, Carolyn (Chad Lamb) and Robert and proud great grandmother of Liam, Rian, Amberly, Kiara, Jacob, Makayla, Zakari, Colton and Ada. In addition to her parents she is predeceased by her husband Gerald, her son Jimmy (in infancy), her daughter Elizabeth, her sister Jean Fuller and her brother Jim Fydell. Friends will be received at the SMITH-LeROY FUNERAL HOME, 69 Wellington Street, North, Woodstock on Thursday, August 5th, 2010 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. for a funeral service in the chapel at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Gorrie Cemetery on Friday, August 6th, 2010. Donations in Ruth's memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society, World Vision, or a charity of your choice. Smith-LeRoy, (519) 537-3611. Personal condolences may be sent at www.smithleroy.com