Ruth A. (McAdam) Holden

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Ruth Holden on May 22, 2023. She was predeceased by her parents Bruce McAdam and Hilda Ayerst, husband William (Bill) Holden and sister Erol Welton.

Ruth leaves behind her daughters Cathy Holden (James) and Janet Holden, her sister Sandra Stemp (Bob), her sister in-law Ann Gordon (Sandy) and their families.

In her young life, Ruth lived in many different parts of Ontario and Quebec with her family due to her father’s work in pulp and paper and the Canadian military during WWII. She met Bill working at Swallowdale Camp in Huntsville ON in their teens and they married in 1961. Ruth continued to work as a dental assistant after getting married. She and Bill raised their two daughters in Etobicoke before retiring to Durham ON.

Following Bill’s death in 1997, Ruth moved to London ON to be close to her sister Erol Welton (Richard). Ruth built a new life for herself in London and made many friends.

In 2015, she moved to Ottawa to be close to her daughter Janet who was living there and made many friends in her new home there as well.

Following a fall in November 2022 and subsequent illness, Ruth succumbed to pneumonia.

She was an excellent baker, loved to play cards, games, and participate in many social activities. She had a good sense of humour and enjoyed telling stories as she had a remarkable memory.

She will be missed by her many family members and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A private interment will reunite Ruth beside her beloved Bill for eternity.

In honour of Ruth’s giving nature and long history of volunteerism, donations to your local food bank would be appreciated.