Ruth Jean Brennan

Our family wishes to announce that Ruth Jean Brennan passed away peacefully in her sleep during the early morning of Thursday, November 30, 2017 at the age of 97 years and 8 months.

Ruth leaves to cherish her memory six children, Terry (Pei), Garry (Judy), Debbie (Ray Mardy), Roger (Mary), Bonnie (Bob Widders), and Jean (Bill Avery); a very special daughter-in-law, Annie (Don Smith); a very special sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Patricia Swoboda; 18 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; numerous nephews and nieces and their families; and an extensive extended family of friends and neighbors.

Ruth Brennan was predeceased by her devoted husband, Ray (married in 1943); her infant sister, Marguerite; her infant brother, James; her older sister, Marguerite (known to all as Peggy); brother-in-law, Don Hansen; nephew, Richard; neice, Patricia; her son-in-law Brian Berke; and her parents, Herbert Ebeneezer Harkness and Gertrude Frances Kelly, both of whom came to the community of Millet, Alberta from the state of New York in the in the very early 1900’s.  

She was proudly accepted into the fraternity of the Pioneer Women of Alberta in 2015 for her significant contributions to the community and the province during her lifetime.

It was an honor for us all, through Ruth’s long and enduring life, to witness the beautiful relationships she maintained with all her family and friends, with the families of her lifelong friends, and especially with the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In accordance with Ruth’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and she will be honored with a graveside service at St. Norbert’s Catholic cemetery in the spring of 2018.  All family and friends are graciously invited to attend.  Notices of Ruth’s service will published nearer to that time.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff and volunteers at both Extendicare Leduc and the Devonshire Care Centre Edmonton for their devotion and service to Ruth.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice

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