Ruth Marilyn West

Ruth Marilyn West (Wadman), 82, of St. Margaret’s Bay, passed away following complications from a stroke on March 2nd, 2023. Our beloved "Ruthie" was born in Glace Bay to Edward and Audrey (MacDonald) Wadman on Oct. 27th, 1940.

Ruth married James Lawrence (Jim or Larry) West on May 20th, 1967 and moved to the "Bay" where they cherished their seaside home, raised a family, and enjoyed sailing, skating and walking the "rails to trails". Avid skiers, Ruth and Jim frequented Martock and Wentworth. They enjoyed travelling, having made trips to the states, France, Chile, Argentina and western Canada to visit their daughter. Ruth and Jim celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2017 with a trip to London, UK.

Ruth embarked on a busy career as a secretary in Halifax in the late fifties. After taking a break to raise her children, Ruth went on to serve the elementary schools in the St. Margaret's Bay area. Ruth retired in 2001.

Ruth will be remembered for her warmth, sincerity and for always putting others before herself. She worked tirelessly over the years as a volunteer, more recently as a treasurer for The Bay Grandmothers, fundraising for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Ruth had unbridled strength and energy, well up until her final days. A typical week for Ruth entailed skating at the Lebrun Recreation Centre, outings with her dance clubs, hosting a dinner party and power walking with Larry.

Ruth is survived by her husband Larry, son Stephen (Lesia), grandchildren Robyn and Michael and "grandpuppy" Kai, daughter Shauna (Julian Richards), brothers Gerald (Shirley) Wadman and Glenn Wadman, sister Lois (late John) Ferguson, and many cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family and longtime friends. Ruth will be greatly missed by all and her warm and loving spirit will not be forgotten.

Ruth's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to first responders & paramedics and the staff of the neurological unit at the QEII Halifax Infirmary. A celebration of Ruth's life will be held on June 11th, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at St. Margaret Sailing Club, 5 Foxberry Hill Road, Glen Haven, N.S.

Contributions in her honour are invited to be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Grandmothers Campaign for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.