Memories of Ruthanne
An album of special memories from friends and family.
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Viewing messages 96 to 100.
Kathy Hemstreet Cooper
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I have a memory of Ruthanne the last time I had an appointment with her looking fantastic and looking for all the world like she would make it to a very nice ripe old age. God must have really needed an extra special extra angel in heaven right now, but I really wish he would have chosen a different one.
12 November 2002
- Boston and Falmouth
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Lori Schlager Herscott
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I would see Ruthanne during chemo at the Dana Farber. Though I did not really know her, I was always amazed at her huge smile and her peaceful presence.
12 November 2002
- Newton
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Susan Anderson Stevens
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My favorite memories of Ruthanne were winter afternoons when a group of us would study at her apartment, then exericise to Jane Fonda tapes, then she'd whip up dinner. These afternoons, although so ordinary, invigorated us all. We felt nurtured. I admired the loving relationship she and Bob had. We were lucky to have known Ruthanne. My thoughts are with your family.
12 November 2002
- Napa, California
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Beverly Stern Silver
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I was 10 when Bob became my baby brother. I did all the things big sisters do: change his diapers, feed him, played with him, took him for walks.Then I watched him grow up, fall in love with Ruthanne, shared in the joy of their wedding and beautiful marriage, the births of Nicholas and Laura. I was devestated when Ruthanne's breast cancer was first diagnosed just a short time after our own mom passed away afer her 32 years as a 'survivor' of that terrible curse!
How could Bob and Ruthanne, who had been so close to 'DeeDee' and share in our mom's long, painful battle to the end -- how could they now face Ruthanne's diagnosis at an even younger age than our mom's?! Well, I thought, if mom could survive to see all three of her children grow, marry, and become the proudest of grandparents whoever lived, then OF COURSE young, strong, Ruthanne could do the same.
As we know, life isn't fair. Ruthanne's years as a 'survivor' were all too few. But Ruthanne made a list (naturally! - she was the most organized person I ever knew!) of all she hoped to experience and accomplish in whatever time she had.
As I think back, though, she had already accomplished so much! Having taken over her Dad's practice, she too became one of THE specialists in treating glaucome, gaining a world-renown reputation among both her patients and her fellow ophthalmologists.I myself was proud to refer friends to 'my sister-in-law the eye specialist'! Even when she herself was not the treating physician, she acted as a consultant, making suggestions, and reassuring my friends on their treatment.
Of course my admiration and love for Ruthanne went far beyond her gifts as an eye surgeon. She was the mother of two of the most perfect children in the world. (Realize this is no small admission, since my own daughter Becky Slitt is no 'small potatoes' either!) Ruthanne and Bob quietly, firmly, but always lovingly, gave Nick and Laura the foundation they would need to continue in their parents' footsteps. Nick and Laura I'm sure will continue to be loving, strong, compassionate people -- building on their inherited gifts of extraordianary musical talent, sense of humor,intellectual curiosity -- strength, courage, tenacity -- ability to be a friend among friends, facing life with the same smile their beautiful mom had - the smile that not only lit up a room, but also proclaimed that here was a person it would be a priviledge to know!
Yesterday I shared with the rest of the family in the laying to rest of our most dear Ruthanne. The love surrounding the
beautiful site Ruthanne had selected herself was palpable. We later visited together, viewing an incredible assortment of photographic images of Ruthanne's life, filled also of photos of loving family and friends -- photos ranging from her dear mother, very pregnant with her firstborn; through her babyhood; her sharing the screen with her loving younger siblings; through gradeschool, high school, college, and med school; through vacation images --especially on her beloved Cape Cod; on through the 'stylish' 6o's and 70's; early pictures of her and Bob, their wedding, Nick and Laura's baby pictures...
Yesterday was indeed a day of tears but also of laughter -- just as Ruthanne would have wanted, for indeed she did plan everything! How amazing! How like Ruthanne!
Next week so many of us look forward to a special Memorial Service -- an occasion once again of tears and smiles, remeniscences, thoughts and prayers. I'm sure this will continue to be a difficult time for all of us who knew and loved Ruthanne. How could it be anything else?
But it will alsw be a beautiful occasion to share with so many who knew her and/or her family -- a time to celebrate the life of a unique woman who gave so much to so many, often just by going through the daily affairs of living.
During this past year I have come to know and love Ruthanne even more than before her long brave battle. My husband Marc, and daughter Becky join me and the rest of the family in facing a great loss to us and the world, but also will be better off for having shared what time we did have with her.
12 November 2002
- Bloomfield, CT
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RoseAnn, Lisa, and Bobby Bennekamper
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We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and may God comfort your hearts.
12 November 2002
- New Jersey
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