Ruth Jackson

Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Bruce, her parents Milton & Edith McKerrow (née Thompson), and her sister Beth Crutchley (husband Jack).

She is survived by her children Ken (Brenda), Margaret (Malcolm) and Helen (Scott), grandchildren Daina & Reed (Cait), Corey (Chris), Kenneth & Robert and great grandchildren Ruth & Eric, Tanner & Nash as well as nieces, nephews and their families.

Mom earned an MA degree from the University of Toronto and was a gold medallist in the Food Sciences program at U of T. Mom was a synchronized swimmer and enjoyed swimming daily at the cottage in Tobermory.

Mom and Dad were longtime members at Forest Hill United Church, Kitchener. They enjoyed playing bridge with many friends throughout their lives.

Mom was incredibly active with a variety of interests. She served as President, Consumers Association of Canada (CAC - Ontario Branch). Mom was a passionate consumer advocate on several Farm Products Marketing Boards, achieving the lofty title of Bean Queen among her friends. She also served on several Boards of Directors, including Schneiders Foods. Mom’s advocacy in consumer protection included: the window in the bacon package, “enlarged to show texture” and ingredient and nutrition labeling. She was for a short time an instructor at Conestoga College, Doon campus, in the Family Studies Program.

She had a real knack for pulling off the impossible in the kitchen. A dining room table piled high with CAC research documents and correspondence would be cleared in an instant to make room for a five-course meal she had planned and prepared while making notes for a speech she was presenting the following day.

Mom spent summers in Tobermory with the children, joined by Dad, weekends, and made many lifelong friends there. In their retirement years she and Dad frequently retreated to the family cottage in Tobermory where they shared good times with family and friends. The family spent many summer afternoons fishing and singing with frequent rounds of “Down by the Bay” (where we are sure the fish were scared away). Boating through the North Channel was a favourite pastime, Mom the navigator and Dad at the helm.

She will always be remembered as a selfless, and kind-hearted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. Ruth enjoyed a good laugh, good food, good wine and good times.

Westmount Chartwell nurses, PSWs and even maintenance staff had an obvious soft spot for mom and commented often of her kindness and humour. Special thanks to Local Health Integrated Network case manager, Tiffany Fergusson and her staff for their care and compassion. Care Partners, Susie and Barb went above and beyond to ensure Mom’s comfort in her last hours.

In recognition of Mom’s lifetime commitment to food education and nutrition donations “In memory of Ruth Jackson” may be made to:

Tobermory Primary Place, Meal Program, e-transfer [email protected], cheques to PO Box 132, Tobermory, ON, N0H 2R0 or cash (drop off only). Receipts issued for donations over $20.00.

St. Edmund’s Public School, Breakfast Program, Bluewater District School Board, PO Box 190, Chesley, ON N0G 1L0. Attention: St. Edmund’s Public School Nutrition – Breakfast Club. Receipts issued for donations over $20.00.

Arrangements entrusted to Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, Kitchener, (519-743-8900). Online condolences at www.westmountfuneralchapel