Ruth Darlington

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Diane (Trevor); her grandson, Braydon; her granddaughter, Meghan, and their mother, Julie Thompson; her cousin-sister, Marilyn McDowell Galbraith; and her many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of more than 65 years, George Darlington; her son, Thomas William George Darlington; and 13 brothers and sisters.

Ruth taught us the value of family and lifelong friendships. Her weekly Sunday night dinners were a tradition we all looked forward to, and she continued preparing them well into her 89th year. She loved the outdoors, especially the family’s annual camping trips, travelling from coast to coast, fishing, and canoeing. She loved to swim, spending countless hours in her pool, and enjoyed gardening and golfing. She swam well into her late 80s, cherishing time with her swimming buddies and the coffee that followed.

Inherently creative, Ruth loved to draw and took up painting in her 60s. She was musical, could sing, played a mean harmonica and, of course, the spoons. And boy, did she love her sports! Whether cheering on her Jays or the Leafs or watching women’s golf, she was always an enthusiastic fan.

Ruth showed us what true strength and determination look like, how to love with compassion, and how to embrace life, even in difficult times, by finding joy in the simple things. She always said, “Might as well laugh as cry.”

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, October 17th, at St. Theodore of Canterbury Anglican Church, 111 Cactus Ave., North York. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by the service at 3:00 p.m. A traditional Irish wake will follow the service.

In honour of Ruth’s love of animals, the family welcomes donations to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society in lieu of flowers: ontariospca.ca

May she be dancing with Dad, free of pain and worry, knowing just how much she is loved.