Memories of Ruthanne
An album of special memories from friends and family.
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Viewing messages 36 to 40.
Nancy Ellen Iandoli Roy
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As Ruthanne (1/29/59) is a kindred Aquarian to me (1/25/61)...I will always in my heart honor the birthday of the beautiful and inspirational Ruthanne.
Regards to Bob & Family, & Anne/Dick & Family~
28 January 2003
- Harwich, Cape Cod (hometown-Worcester, MA)
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Lewis (Terry) Ports
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I have known the Simmons family all my life and was given the opportunity to live in the Otis Street house during my junior year in High School. I was immediately made welcome, continuously encouraged in my studies and activities, and included in all the family events that year. I have never thanked you for your kindness and caring Anne and Dick so I would like to take this opportunity to thank you now. Thank you especially for offering me the opportunity to become a member of your family and spend time with Ruthanne.
Ruthanne has made all the difference to me in my life. When I came to stay with you I was frightened and displaced but I will always remember how Ruthanne befriended me and invited me one day to have an omelette with her. She was excited because she had just spent time in France so she coached me on how to make "the perfect omelette" and talked passionately about her trip. She found out that I was interested in backpacking and she introduced me to the Newton Backpacking Club and Outdoor Study programs at Newton North. Ruthanne reached out and made me feel at home and less nervous, and I suddenly had someone to share my love of the outdoors, adventure, and travel. I have often wanted to tell Ruthanne about my many years spent in France and Europe. Ruthanne opened a door to me of adventure; a quest to learn more from and about others and nature. Ruthanne was with me during manoeuvres as a French Foreign Legionnaire, climbing in the Himalayas, Scotland, Corsica, and now on a daily basis as an EMT in NYC.
I have always thought of Ruthanne when reading "Ulysses" by Alfred Lord Tennyson:
I cannot rest from travel: I will drink life to the lees: all times I have enjoy'd greatly, have suffered greatly, both with those that loved me, and alone...
For always roaming with a hungry heart much have I seen and known..
I am a part of all that I have met; Yet all experience is an arch wherethro' gleams that untravell'd world, whose margin fades forever and ever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end, To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!
Come, my friends, `Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
We are not now the strength which in old days moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Ruthanne, I will never forget your smile, caring and desire to live life to the fullest.
22 January 2003
- New York City
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Carl Olson
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I first met Ruthanne when she was six years old at the Bluff House at John Joseph's Pond. After supper she was tucked into bed and I was asked if I wanted to up and hear her read. I did. After hearing how good she read I figured she'd already graduated Harvard.
12 January 2003
- Chatham, MA
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Lucy King
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I knew Ruthanne as a young girl in the late 1960s when her parents kindly took me into their home to become a member of the family. With only nine years between us, Ruthanne probably regarded me more as an annoying older sister who's job it was to "babysit" her among other things. I spent only a few short years with the Simmons family on Otis St. and it wasn't until I was an adult that I was able to truly appreciate the enormity of their gesture by becoming my legal guardians for those difficult years in my life. Living with this family provided me with an important foundation upon which to build my own life. Over the years Anne's Christmas letters have kept me up to date on the amazing accomplishments and good news of the whole family. I was so saddened and shocked to receive this year's letter and to learn of Ruthanne's valiant struggle with cancer and her final passing. I have read the messages here on the website and can agree with the majority of people, the most outstanding memory is her smile - she beamed! And her hands, those red hands. I also recall vividly the daily morning fight to wrestle her long blond hair into two tight braids which she sported every day. I regret not having had the time to see Ruthanne, and the rest of the family, again since that time. Obviously Ruthanne was a woman who gave so much of her life to the service of caring for others and will be deeply missed.To the entire Simmoms and Stern families please accept my most sincere sorrow for your loss.
3 January 2003
- Golden Lake, Ontario
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Elly Riegert and Les Forman
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Dear Bob, Nick and Laura,
When we received your recent holiday card, we were anticipating reading once again about how all of you are bravely going on about your lives in the face of such a challenge. To our shock we learned of your very sad news. We too share some fond and wonderful memories of Ruthanne and time we spent with your family in Chapel Hill and at Disney World. We also remember the times when you were living in North Carolina and our daughter, Kate, spent hours with Nick jumping on the couch and hiding from us. Although she was very young at the time, Kate still remembers those visits to your house well. Ruthanne was a very special lady, always with a smile on her face. Thank you so much for letting us know about Ruthanne. We are deeply sadened by your loss.
All our Love,
Elly, Les, and Kate
24 December 2002
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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