(1926-2023)
It is with great sadness we announce that Ruth Kingsmill (nee MacDonald) passed away peacefully October 6, 2023 at 97 years of age.
Daughter of Roy and Josephine MacDonald, medical army veterans in WW1. Predeceased by husband Peter, brothers Dr. Keith MacDonald and Bill MacDonald, and son Stephen. Mother to Robin Kingsmill (John – deceased), Karen Barrett (David), Patti East (Mike) and Carol Kingsmill (Dave), grandmother to Rob Eddolls (Erin), Jackie Eddolls (John), Christine Barrett (Andrew), Andrea Barrett (Dave), James East (Maria), Tyler East (Laura), Ryan East (Graham), and Henry Pole, and great grandmother to Hugh, Elizabeth, Lucy, Harvey, Goldie, Penny, and Fletcher.
Ruth grew up in St Catherines, moving to Toronto at the age of 16. She graduated from Household Economics at University of Toronto and was proud to say that she took more science courses than the engineers did. Ruth and Peter met at the RCYC and spent many years sailing boats all over North America. She enjoyed skiing for many years with her friends and family at Osler Bluff Ski Club.
After they settled in Don Mills Ruth kept busy looking after her four girls. She also dedicated time to support the local brownie group for over 15 years as Brown Owl and ran the activity and craft centre at a nearby retirement home. When not creating new crafts to the delight of family and friends, Ruth could be found reading murder mysteries or doing puzzles, and at 97 could still spot a dead fly on the carpet 20 feet away.
She was host to many skiers at Osler Bluff and never complained when any of her family showed up with any number of “friends” for lunch or dinner or a bed for the weekend. As a non-racer, she still participated in Osler’s senior club championships and coveted her salad bowl trophy. Summer at Osler’s Summer club, along with looking after our pony, it was a natural for Ruth to retire to the ski cabin where she lived until last December.
After retiring to the ski cabin at Osler Bluff with her husband Peter, they began the next project - The creation of a golf club to support multi-season activities. Her patience and support in the early planning of OslerBrook golf club was key to its creation. She and Peter enthusiastically took up the sport of golf at 80 and loved to have dinner at the club house admiring the view.
Always a smile and positive word to any who came by, she will be missed.
Many thanks to Right at Home and Stephanie Diceglie and her team for helping mom enjoy that last 15 years in her home, and special thanks to the exceptional caregivers at Bay Haven.
Celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s name to Collingwood General and Marine Hospital would be appreciated. Friends may visit Ruth's online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com