GARNETT, Ruth Elizabeth - (June 27, 1919 – August 24, 2018) - Ruth left us peacefully in her 100th year, in her home, in Scarborough.
She saw the troubled 20's, 30's, and 40's, and the growth and changes of the 50's and 60's as she built family and community. She was a strong, independent woman.
She grew up in the small town of Port Hope with brothers Bill and Art, enjoying mathematics and basketball. Her father, Herb Trott, was the town photographer. Teens spent the summer at the beach, and dating at the new Capitol Theatre. She studied art at summer school under J W Beatty, and was a talented artist.Creativity would follow her throughout her life.
She attended Peterborough Normal School, then taught in a one room school for a year. In 1943, she was a draftsman at GM Oshawa, the only woman in the department.
She met Jack Garnett in 1939. He went to England with the Canadian Army; on his return, they married in Port Hope in Feb 1946. They were together until his death at 96, in 2015. The young couple moved to Toronto as he studied Engineering at U of T. In 1947 she became a full-time Mom to Joan Anne; David John followed in 1951.
She was a gifted teacher and mother. She gave time and talent to the community, volunteering with UNICEF, C.N.I.B., and Centenary Hospital. She was Scarborough Volunteer of the Year in 1972. She always had needlework, sewing or knitting projects on the go. She shared her love of the opera and English Literature with those close to her. Family celebrations were always around her table.
They welcomed a beloved grandchild, Sara, in 1987. Ruth had a new child to nurture.
A gardener at heart, in her autumn years, she gradually spent more time in her large perennial garden. She was active with the Civic Garden Centre, Scarborough Horticulture Society, and garden tours. She moved to Cedarbrook Lodge in 2016.
She leaves daughter Joan (Alistair Thomson), grand-daughter Sara, and brother Arthur (Shirley). Predeceased by Jack (2015) and son David (2008).
Deepest thanks to Wendy, Lynn, and Chanel, and the kind people at Cedarbrook.
Memorial celebrations at McDougall and Brown, Scarborough, with garden reception at Cedarbrook Lodge, 520 Markham Rd. Details TBA.
Memorial donations appreciated to Leukemia research, and children's charities of your choice.
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