Ruby Elaine Curtis

On April 13, 1926 in a small town in the hills of Jamaica, one of God’s special angels was born. Her name was Ruby Elaine Atkinson. God gave her a heart filled with love, devotion, care and commitment, which touched all of us who had the privilege to know her.

She lived her life to the fullest, while making sure that those around her were given everything that she could give …especially her love.

Ruby was the second child of 14 and came from simple beginnings, in Kellits, Clarendon, Jamaica. She always said that she was not the smartest in her class, but was definitely the hardest worker. She was very proud to graduate and move to Kingston, Jamaica, at a time when most children her age lived out their lives in the rural parts of the island. Ruby worked her way through nursing school and had a long, successful career. Hard work, kindness, determination and forward thinking characterized this strong and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, grand aunt and cousin.

Ruby had high values and a strong sense of duty. When she migrated to Canada in 1959 she never forgot her roots or her family. Sending money home to help her parents was second nature to her. She was also driven to assist her younger siblings to succeed in life, by ensuring that they received a good education. So she engaged some of the older siblings to work with her to pave the way for the younger ones. The impact she made in her siblings lives is profound. The seed she planted in them and watered has enabled them to give their children a solid start in life. Many of them still speak of the important role she played in their success. So her legacy continues on…

Ruby also had a positive impact on other people’s lives. While in Canada she focused on her work as a nurse…. The best possible career she could have chosen, as there she got to live her calling…to serve others. She was Head Nurse at Oshawa General Hospital, in the Maternity Ward, helping to bring many new lives into this world. Many patients under her care benefitted from her tender and caring disposition. This was evident, as she could not walk the streets of Oshawa, without someone recognizing her. The common theme with everyone that stopped to say “hello” was that she made one of the most important experiences in their lives better…. And these were people who she barely knew. Many of her colleagues became close friends and those friendships continued way past her retirement.

Being a beautiful, funny, level headed lady, Ruby had a number of very eligible suitors, but none of them could convince her that they were the one for her. Then came William Curtis…not sure if it was his ability to cook or his jovial personality that won her over…or both…or maybe he came at the right time in her life… when most of her siblings were fending for themselves, so she felt comfortable getting on with her own life….. A life that was to give her much joy.

Once married, she didn’t waste any time adding to her family. The apple of her eye was born on December 25, 1968… the best Christmas present she had ever received. Whenever Michael was at her side, joy and pride radiated from her and showed how happy and proud she was of her son. A true “love you forever” story…there was never a day that Michael did not feel loved.

Bill died when Michael was 10 leaving Ruby to raise him on her own. She accepted the calling without hesitation and made sure that Michael continued to grow in all aspects of his life. Being a strong believer in education she made sure that Michael had all the tools needed to succeed academically. And to ensure that he was a well-rounded child, he also was encouraged to participate in sports. Michael recalls Ruby putting on his hockey equipment, tying his skates at 5:00am and taking him to his weekly 6:00am practice…little did he know until later in his life, that she probably went to bed at 1:00am after her 3 to 11 night shift at work. He admits that her devotion to him made him want her to be proud of him… although he knew that her love was unconditional. How she managed to work so hard to support them and still found time for all of Michael’s activities is a testament of her love for him.

Having an adventurous heart Ruby travelled extensively…. although perhaps her biggest adventure was trail-blazing the way to Canada to work at Oshawa General. Once Michael had graduated from university and was settled, Ruby stepped up her travel zest and began touring the world. Travel companions on a bus tour of Europe noted that she had a playful, frivolous side… She enjoyed the parties, an occasional gin and tonic, dancing, sightseeing… got engaged in all activities and although she was very forgetful, she did not let that deter her from having a ball.

After serving over 30 years at Oshawa General, she decided it was time for her to retire. She increased her involvement at Harmony United Church where she again had a positive influence on many lives while teaching Sunday School for many years. She was an avid scrabble player and was very proud when she won the most improved player at her club. She loved to sing and was a proud member of the church choir for many years.

Ruby did not earn what we would consider to be a sizable annual income, however, she was an avid saver. She believed in putting aside funds for a rainy day and for her family’s future. This is an attribute that all of us should strive for, because it is what enabled Ruby to live out her twilight years in a dignified and comfortable way.

She welcomed Michael’s wife, Denise, with open arms and immediately made her feel part of the family. She was ecstatic when her Grand Children Sierra and Matthew came into the world. She was the first to babysit Sierra and it was at her house that Sierra took her first steps. The two had fun watering the flowers in Aunt Ruby’s garden. She loved playing catch with Matthew, both laughing to their hearts content and never seeming to tire of their never ending games together.

Once she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s she lived her final 9 years at Hillside Estates where she was literally treated like royalty…many of the older nurses knew her, or of her before she moved in, and made sure that she received the best care possible. Even in her declining years, God continued to use her, as in her early years at Hillside, the nurses would sit her next to other patients in distress, so that Ruby could “Nurse” and comfort them. She always had a smile for anyone who visited and somehow brought comfort to them as she sang her favourite hymn.

Ruby lost her memory but not her spirit. She was known to continuously sing “Jesus loves me this I know” a hymn that has soothed millions of people who have felt lost and forgotten… and in her new world…… although she more than likely felt lost…… she knew that she was not alone… that Jesus was with her.. Her companion and guide….. Calming her spirit and soothing her soul.

Ruby was a vibrant, loving, wonderfully made human being that was loved, admired and respected for so many years. Although her mind inevitably failed, her spirit was very much alive…and on Thursday, July 23, 2015 God smiled at her and said “Well done thou good and faithful servant!!!” and took her home.

Although Ruby is no longer with us, she lives on in all whose hearts she touched and in particular in Michael her beloved son, Sierra who looks so much like her and in Matthew who has her kind loving heart.

Jesus loves you Ruby!!!

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CURTIS, Ruby E.

(Retired Head Nurse-Maternity Ward at Oshawa General Hospital & Proud Servant of God at Harmony United Church)

April 13, 1926-July 23, 2015

Peacefully at Hillsdale Estates at the age of 89. Beloved wife of the late William. The most incredible, mother (and “father”) of Michael, grandmother of Sierra & Matthew, sister and friend, to ever grace this earth. Lived her life to the fullest and improved the lives of all she touched, with her smile and kind heart. Dear sister of Daphne L, Daphne J, Linnette, Dudley, Tommy, David, Dawn, Audrey, Charles, Roy and the late China, Kenneth, Claude and Lincoln.

Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Saturday, August 8th, from 9:30 a.m. until time of Service in the Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Mount Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of donations, please do any, and/or all of the following: cherish every minute that you have on this earth, be kind, selfless and loving to all of those in your life, travel this world, believe in something, love your children, parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends with all your heart. In other words, live your life the way, my mom, Ruby Elaine (Atkinson) Curtis did.