Ruth Elizabeth McKeown

(Dyer), beloved mother of Judy Keown (John), Kate O'Hara, Lizz Galaski (John) and Annie Bain (Ned), left us on June 15 at Ajax-Pickering Hospital in her 93rd year after a long and well-lived life with family by her side.

Born in Toronto in 1918 to James and Jean Dyer, Ruth had two sisters, Frances and Jeanette. She was married to Charles Francis McKeown for 56 years until his passing in 1997. The family lived on McKee Avenue in Willowdale, Ontario for many years. Ruth and Frank later moved to Richmond Hill to enjoy condo living, where they made many new friends. In 2010 Ruth moved to Chartwell retirement residence in Pickering, Ontario.

A devoted wife and mother, Mum loved her girls and was supportive, thoughtful and caring. She inspired us all with her generosity, open-mindedness and ready wit. She harboured no prejudices and supported all of us no matter what choices we made in life. Mum truly followed the Golden Rule and taught us to do the same.

She always had a ready and welcoming smile for everyone, and was often the catalyst for bringing people together socially. Ruth enjoyed travelling and saw many parts of the world. She was an excellent bridge player and, even though legally blind, frequently won. She loved to entertain and often had friends in for dinner and a game of bridge right up until her recent, brief illness.

Ruth is survived by her four daughters, seven granddaughters Janet Keown Adams (Ian), Sharon Keown, Maggie Blue O'Hara (Hoi Chiu), Kelly Galaski, Amy Galaski Simmonds (Sean), Caitlin Galaski and Victoria Galaski; and three great-grandchildren Dylan Adams, Eric Adams and Bella Star Choy.

Life won't be the same without you, Mum, you were truly a very special one-of-a-kind. Our only comfort is knowing you are free of the illness that overtook you in recent months. We know you stayed with us for as long as you could. We love you, Mum, and we'll see you later!