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Ruth Ann Brock (née MacEachern)

March 7, 2019

 

September 8, 1937 ~ March 7, 2019

Ruth Ann was born in the most northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Meat Cove. A feisty, proud Cape Bretoner all her life, she and her siblings came from humble beginnings. Helping others and working hard was instilled at an early age…traits that Ruth demonstrated her entire life. She learned to swim in the cold Atlantic waters of Cape Breton Island, which evolved into a lifetime joy of being around water. Swimming, pool parties, and ultimately still swimming into her 80s. Sun and water brought her much happiness. Ruth left the homestead at age 19, and headed to the big city of Toronto. There, she met a dashing young baseball player named Clark Brock. They fell in love, married, and welcomed three children: Owen, Leslie and Karen. They lived in London, Toronto, and then back to Oakridge Acres in London. Ruth was a woman of many roles: wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, volunteer, baseball coach, CWL member and past president at Holy Family Parish, and consummate bridge player. She had an ever hopeful spirit, and an open, generous heart. She was the ultimate den mother to many Oakridge children. Her door was always open, and there was always room at the table for another. Ruth was a devoted Catholic, whose belief in God guided her through many hardships and health challenges. She always had an ear to listen and a hug when needed. She was our rock. Over the years, Ruth developed friends coast to coast. Her greatest achievements were her three children and her four grandchildren. She adored them all, and was all about family. She created many wonderful celebrations and memories that will always be fondly remembered. We were blessed. Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband, Clark, and many of her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sisters, Pauline and Christine. Cherished mother of Owen (Sue LeBlanc), Leslie (Brian Kehn), and Karen (Darla Arrand-Brock). Treasured grandmother of Rebecca, Emily, Jacob and Zachary. Missed by her sister-in-law, Dana Dunbar, and by her many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Dr. Louise Moist, Julie Ann Lawrence (NP), the dialysis team, Dr. Lazo-Langner, LHSC staff, Dr. John Gonder SJHC, and St. Joseph’s Family Medical Centre for many years of compassionate care. A visitation will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Monday from 6:00 ~ 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at HOLY FAMILY PARISH, 777 Valetta Street, London, on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Reception and fellowship to follow. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ruth are asked to consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Canada, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, the Boys and Girls Club of London or Holy Family Parish. Ruth was a strong supporter of all. Most of all, Ruth would want us all to share time with family and friends, by reminiscing about a life well-lived and creating new memories enriched with her memory.

 

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Dear Karen, Leslie, Owen and family. Please accept deepest sympathies from my mom, myself and our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all right now. Shelley, Noreen and family x

~ Shelley Yeo

(Donated to Kidney Foundation of Canada)

~ Monica Miatello

(Donated to Kidney Foundation of Canada)

~ Dana Dunbar

(Donated to Holy Family Parish)

~ Josie Smith

(Donated to Diabetes Canada)

~ Carol MacDonald

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation, London)

~ Michele Williamson

Owen Leslie and Karen, I was so saddened to hear of Ruth's passing. I pray that you and your families will be comforted in this time of grief by God's love. Ruth will be sharing her heavenly rest with Clark and her parents and family, but most of all with Jesus. Take care of each other. Love Sue

~ Sue Brock

I first met Ruth when I started to work at the K-Mart in the London Mall. She always had a smile to greet you at the beginning of the day. After a time we became part of a team that worked closely with one another. Her laughter became the best part of my day. RUTH: May God find a special place in Heaven for you. May your families find peace in knowing you were loved by so many

~ Carol MacDonald

I first met Ruth when I started to work at the K-Mart in the London Mall. She always had a smile to greet you at the beginning of the day. After a time we became part of a team that worked closely with one another. Her laughter became the best part of my day. RUTH: May God find a special place in Heaven for you. May your families find peace in knowing you were loved by so many

~ Carol MacDonald

I first met Ruth when I started to work at the K-Mart in the London Mall. She always had a smile to greet you at the beginning of the day. After a time we became part of a team that worked closely with one another. Her laughter became the best part of my day. RUTH: May God find a special place in Heaven for you. May your families find peace in knowing you were loved by so many

~ Carol MacDonald

Owen I very sorry to hear about your Mom. You have a lot of great memories which will help you at this time and over the next while. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Take care my friend, Gail

~ Gsil Nichol

Your mom has left you a lifetime of stories and memories to share as you wade through this difficult time . The shores of Cape Breton wave goodbye to one of their daughters. Our hearts are with you .in Sympathy Becky and Rick

~ Becky and Rick

To Ruth's family: I met Ruth many years ago while we were together in CWL. She always had a kind word for everyone. My condolences to all.

~ Josie Smith

So sorry to here about your mom Karen. Our sincere condolences. Hugs

~ Gail and Ron

Grandma Ruth welcomed me and my children to the Brock pool many times. I sometimes ran into her at the hockey arena or soccer field where she was cheering on her grandchildren. Family included many others beside "blood" relatives- she stayed connected with many of the childhood friends of her children over the years. She remained in the home that she loved with the support of her family. She bravely faced health challenges over the past years She now joins her beloved husband Clark.I will think of her and smile. For her children, grandchildren and many friends -be brave, be strong and share the great memories as Ruth has taught you.Lots of love from the Trocchi family!

~ Cathy Trocchi

Leslie, Owen and Karen , your mom was a special lady. "Ruthie" ,as I endeared her, knew me as a customer at K-Mart. When I started working there, she took me under her wing and let me know how things were and who was who. I was just thinking about her yesterday, thinking about different situations we were involved in at the store, and all of our chats. She took no nonsense from anyone, but was warm and caring and funny; a real joy to work with. If she was mad about something, you knew it. We would calm each other down after dealing with a difficult customer. I am flooded with wonderful memories. Moreover, I am grateful to have known and worked with your mom. My heartfelt sympathies to you all. Hold tight to your memories. Thoughts and prayers Julie Thursby

~ Julie Thursby

I have fond memories of Aunt Ruth at the beaches in Cape Breton. As an adult our paths would only cross when we both made the trek back home to visit family but it never failed to include the beach. She was the person who introduced me to making Cesar salad from scratch with raw eggs loved the salad but glad the dressing now comes out of a bottle. Those are a few memories which I will treasure. My thoughts and prayers are with you all .

~ Diane Burpee ( Fitzgerald)

Aunt Ruth certainly didn't forget her roots, a true Cape Bretoner. Loved when she came home,always telling great stories of her childhood and new stories of her children and grandchildren. Hope you and mom are having a great chat. Love to Owen, Leslie, Karen and grandchildren. Love and prayers Claire. ❤️

~ Claire Hatcher

My Sincerest Condolences I so enjoyed conversations with Ruth. Loved it when Clark called her Bruce

~ Pamela Whittaker

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Boys & Girls Club of London

Holy Family Parish

Heart and Stroke Foundation, London

Diabetes Canada

Kidney Foundation of Canada

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