Ruth Freestone

Ruth Joann Freestone was born on June 7, 1936, to Frederick and Salome Magnusson in Winnipeg, Manitoba and passed away peacefully on December 21, 2023, in Ottawa, Ontario surrounded by her family after her long, arduous battle with COPD. Ruth was 87 years of age.

Ruth grew up with her parents, three brothers Clarence, Rus and Tommy and sister Margaret, where she developed her zest for life.

After graduating from school, Ruth worked at Eaton’s in the wages department. She met the love of her life, Thomas A. Freestone (Tom) in the early 1950’s on a curling rink; among other things, they enjoyed many dates dancing the night away – and boy could they dance! They were married in 1957 and had their first child Randy in 1959, followed by Chris in 1961, Karen in 1964, Margo in 1969 and finally Russell in 1970.

In 1959, after Tom became an Air Traffic Controller, Ruth, Tom, and Randy made the move to Thunder Bay, Ontario where soon thereafter they expanded their family when Chris was born. In 1963, the young family moved to Kenora, Ontario where they completed their family and enjoyed many wonderful years. There they spent their winters skiing as a family and their summers at “camp” on Lake of the Woods and made some life-long family friendships. In 1975, the family migrated to Ottawa, as Tom was promoted within the Ministry of Transport. In the late 1990’s, Ruth followed Tom into retirement, and they spent their time between two of their most beloved places: camp on Lake of the Woods, and Progreso, Mexico (with pit stops to Ottawa). Ruth continued to enjoy her winters in Progreso after Tom’s passing, until travel was halted in 2020.

Ruth had a tremendous sense of humour, and her quick wit was appreciated by everyone who had the privilege to know her; she was sharing jokes and laughter with those gathered around her, even in her final moments. Her kids would tease her about looking at life through rose-coloured glasses – but that was one of her most endearing qualities. Throughout her lifetime, Ruth held many roles from a payroll clerk in Eaton’s, Data Systems Manager, Gymnastics Coach, field trip “driver” extraordinaire, to name a few; but her most important and cherished roles were being an amazing sister, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was a wonderful role model, a true pillar of strength and the epitome of love.

 Ruth is survived by her five children Randy, Chris, Karen Johnston (Greg), Margo Clarkson (Mike) and Russell (Tammy Bakker). She will be missed by her 11 grandchildren Melanie (Adam), Russell, Mandi, Tommy, Matthew (Antonietta), Kyle (Victoria), Robbie, Chris, Hannah, Cooper, and Scott as well as her four great-grandchildren Kayleigh, Charlie, Oliver, and Ruth-Ada. Ruth is also survived by her brother Rus Magnusson (Doreen), sister Margaret “Maggie” Magee, sister-in-law Elaine Ryan, numerous nieces and nephews, and of course some of her dear friends. Ruth’s passing leaves a huge void, but also brings solace knowing that she will be reunited with the love of her life, who left us too early, 15 years ago.

 At Ruth’s request, a private gathering was held to celebrate her life. Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.