Teresa (Tessie) Mary Ruddy

Tessie was the beloved wife of the late Harvey Ruddy (1988); dearest mother of Dr. Terrence (Terry) Ruddy (Dr. Kathryn Ascah), the late Cecelia Ruddy (1999) and Iris Mughal; proud grandmother of Christopher Ruddy (Penny), Brendan Ruddy, and Dr. Sarah Mughal (Robert Filbin); and cherished great-grandmother of Alexa Ruddy. Tessie had many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and numerous friends who will miss her very much.

Tessie was predeceased by her parents, Margaret (Mellon) and Jack Dunn, and her 4 sisters, Sarah Paquette, Rita Elliott, Emily McGrath and Celia Mercier.

Tessie was born and raised in Ansonville, Ontario and obtained her teaching diploma at the North Bay Normal School (renamed North Bay Teachers’ College) in North Bay, Ontario. She was a devoted teacher for 44 years, with many years at Highland Public School in Cambridge, teaching music, kindergarten and Grade 4. She had a passion for music and would gladly play the piano or organ for her family and friends, for the Christmas holidays or birthdays. She took much joy and pride in her beautiful rose garden. She greatly enjoyed her retirement and was an active member of the Cambridge 50+ David Durward Recreation Center. She especially loved singing with the choir for many years and participating in bell ringing, clogging, and line dancing.

Most of all, Tessie treasured spending time with family.

The family is very grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided for Tessie in her later years by the staff of Extendicare Stirling Heights in Cambridge.

A celebration of life will be held at Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 96 St Andrews Street, Cambridge, Ontario on January 31, 2026, from 2 to 5 pm. The family will hold a separate private interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (https://www.heartandstroke.ca/) or charity of your choice.