Ruth May Cwynar

Ruth May Cwynar, long-time resident of Downey passed away on November 1, 2013 at the age of 96 at the Posada Whittier assisted living facility where she resided for the last six years. She was the daughter of John Aspinwall and Mary Toward of North Attleboro, MA. Beloved wife of Walter A. Cwynar, (deceased 2006), she leaves several nieces; Elaine R. Cwynar of Randolph, MA, Roberta T. Clapper of Norwich, CT, Virginia Durham of Lost River, WV, Frances Vitale, of Springfield, VA. She is also survived by nephews: Walter F. Cwynar of Moosup, CT, and Philip Cwynar of Hyannis, MA, Paul Cwynar of Plainfield, CT (deceased), Lura Dunn of Colorado and grandnieces; Jennifer Clapper, Haley Cwynar and grand-nephew, Johnny Clapper (deceased). Her cousin, Mary O’Meara of Bedford, MA is still like a sister to her as was Florence Peckham (deceased).

Ruth worked in Providence, RI, where she experienced firsthand the 1938 hurricane, then moved to East Hartford, CT where she worked at Liggett’s Pharmacy for over a decade as Head Bookkeeper. Ruth loved to travel and was a regular passenger on local ferries to Watch Hill, RI to enjoy the beaches. She married Walter in 1946, and after a trip to California, they decided to migrate to Downey permanently in 1951. She was very active in her gardening club and nurtured her backyard garden with orange trees, plumeria and other exotic plants. They traveled extensively in their RV to the mountains where they would fish and enjoy nature with their friends. Her rescued pet turtle, Oscar, lived with them for over 50 years in his own back yard paradise. She adored her dog, Ginger, who brought smiles to everyone.

“Ruthie” will be sadly missed by her family, neighbors and friends, who enjoyed many happy times with her.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Gerinet Healthcare Hospice can be sent to 12620 Erickson Ave. Suite-A

Downey, CA 90242.