Ruth Smith

Died suddenly at Briton House, aged 84. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Ian, Ruth will be sorely missed by her children Caroline, Chris (Lorette), and Penny (Jeff). ‘Granny’ doted on her grandchildren, and will be remembered with much love by Rachel (Peter), Wesley, Mike, Luc, Scott, Melody, Diane, and Laura, and great-grandchildren Leah, Ophelia, and Leo. Predeceased by her brothers Gus and Michael, Ruth leaves behind her sisters Pat, Andy, and Hilary, sister-in-law Veronica, and Ian’s children Joanne (Jonathan, Timothy, and Sophie), Martin (Gigi, Matthew), and Ian (Cybele).

Born to Colonel Walter Ker Gray and Violet Mary Vyse, in Checkendon, England, Ruth was always talented academically. At 19, she earned a scholarship to the University of Cambridge to study natural sciences, graduating with a BA in 1954 and an MA in 1966. In 1955, newly married to John Medwell, she moved to Canada to start their family. In 1965, Ruth began teaching at St Clement’s School, where she excelled until retiring in 1997, having served in many leadership roles and teaching senior science and biology classes. Ruth loved teaching and inspired her students to embrace learning (and often even science as well). Although she had been unable to attend medical school herself due to factors beyond her control, she was always excited to hear news of her former students receiving acceptances.

After marrying Ian Smith in 1977, Ruth took up sailing, jumping aboard Ian’s boat, Toucan IV, and enjoying many years of racing and cruising Lake Ontario. She and Ian also joined the Cathedral Guild of Change Ringers at St. James to help ring Canada’s only full set of 12 change-ringing bells. Ruth loved nature and cooking, and was happiest at home with a good book and a warm dog.

A memorial service will be held at St James-the-Less chapel, 635 Parliament St, Toronto, ON M4X 1R3 on Wednesday June 28, 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Clement’s School in Ruth’s memory.