LEE, Ruby (Cecilia) - (March 8, 1934 - June 30, 2020) -
Ruby (Cecilia) Lee (originally from Guyana) was one of billions of moms around the world, but she meant the universe to me. If you knew her the way I did, you would know she is one special lady.
I could fill volumes of books about her life: like the story starting with a stranger pulling her lifeless body from a trench when she was just a kid and being revived by this random stranger, who died a few days later. Did he trade his life for my mother to be?
Through thick and thin, she always took care of herself last. She is a pure giver. Even when someone took her walking cane, she said, “Well, they must have needed it more than me”. Her achilles heel was always her children. You could say her entire life revolved around her children. She helped every one of her children in times of need.
I am always surprised when I meet one of her many friends. I could be walking with her randomly like in a mall and someone would yell out her name “RUBY, RUBY, RUBY”. Their joyous reaction to my mom often blew me away. This has happened so often that I came to expect it. I know what my Mom touched people. She helped and influenced many along her journey of life. I have never met someone who did not love my mom. She was always brutally honest… If your hair was not proper she would tell you. If your clothes did make you look good, she would tell you.
I remember that once my mom was in a line to pay and someone budded ahead of her. She spoke sternly but not loud and said “In Canada, we all wait for our turn in line” as he gestured to the person to go to the back of the line. This is how she dealt with life. Never afraid to speak her mind!
I know that much of who I am today is because of who she was and so I live by her high standards. Before I do something, I always think first “what would my mom do". In stressful situations, my mom had a way of making me calm. To say that I truly loved my mom is an understatement. I miss her so much, that I literally have run out of tears. The last time I spoke to her before she went to the hospital (thanks to Franchesca from her residence who held the phone to my mom’s ears so she could talk to me), mom said, “I love you so much” and I said the same to her. This is a moment that I will replay in my head until it is my time for me to join her.
In her final act, she insisted to bring her Tilly hat to the hospital. Unfortunately, as I was only allowed to see her one hour after she passed. After spending a few hours with her, I saw a bag with her hat (same hat in the picture). I just said, well you really want me to take your hat? Did you know that you will not see me again? I see and feel you mom and always will. I left that hospital and watch the sun rise. The warmth of the sun was her last hugs (at least that was what I choose to believe).
Rest well mom, I will always be thinking of you every day…You will be missed by your son Julian and all of your children Dixie, Cheryl, Norbert, Hugh, Don. Pat and Denise as well as many grandchildren and great grand children and your husband Ben (who has been waiting for her since 1985). Plus, all of her brothers and sisters Herman, Justin, John, Bernice and Linda. It’s a big family and too long to mention. I must also mention Michael my cousin, who was there for my mom. Thanks you all!
Arrangements with Newediuk funeral home, Etobicoke.
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