Obituary for the late Mary de Ruiter

Mary Hendrika de Ruiter87 years youngBorn February 5th,1936Born in Sint-Oedenrode, HollandParents Marinus and Johanna VorstenboschTravelled to Heaven June 1st, 2023

Survived by Husband John and Children Jeff (Marianne) and Pam (Don), Sisters Nellie Oakley, Tina Vanderlinden, Joanne Thompson, Brother in Law Case de Ruiter (Trudy), Sisters in Law Hanny Van den Hoek, Anne Gurnsey, Meta Purdy (Eddy) , Jane Vorstenbosch, and Joan Ryder. Predeceased family include her Brothers Leo, Janus and Tony. Predeceased Brothers and Sisters in Law include Jim, Cor, Harv, Dick, Jake, Lynn, Slobo, Theo, Ivan, Suzie, and Ron. Also Survived by Grandson Chris (Jesseka) with Great Grandsons Jake, Alex, Evan and Elliott with many Loving Nieces and Nephews who gave her great joy calling her Tanta Mary. She loved that! Her Fur Buddy is Chance, a Black Labrador giving lots of love each and every day. Chance Misses her.

While in Holland In her early years she worked at a Bakery and Hospital. Immigrating to Canada with the entire family they landed in Quebec and eventually settled on Wolfe Island, Ontario for many years. At only 16 years old that's quite a move! She met and married John de Ruiter at the Chapel of St. Marys Church in Kingston in 1957.

Mary and John co-founded Pams's Flower Garden in 1962. Mary worked well past retirement until the age of 84 but always until just recently continued to advise us with her wisdom and experience. We will always ask for her guidance in these difficult times but also know she has put her trust in us to look after things just the way she left us. Its our turn to take care of you.

She was a special Mentor to so many young people and could problem solve in seconds. Mary was extremely creative and her floral designs, interior decorating and outdoor gardens were outstanding. Doing all of the above with a quiet and playful sense of humour was so fun to watch.

During her off hours, which were not many, as she was always moving. She enjoyed being on Lake Ontario or Collins Bay with her husband John. This is where she learned to swim with a small ski belt. Once again Problem solving. Other things that kept her busy were home cooked meals at Holiday times for the family and her Turkey Stuffing was the best! Always driving Pam and Jeff to many sporting tournaments. Lake Placid we will never forget…right Mom. She was also an accomplished business woman with a quiet Leadership skill that was non judgmental and her positive impact touched so many.

One of her real joys was to send hand written cards to family and friends for all occasions and she was thrilled to open a written card. It made her so happy to read a card that was mailed via Canada Post. We are sure she will be reading all the cards and messages that have come our way. In later years, she loved to go on a road trip to Gananoque and visit The Casino. This was fun for her and she felt the same if she won or lost, but maybe a wee bit better when she Won. In the evenings she would watch Wheel of Fortune and probably could have been a contestant with her razor sharp mind.

As a Wife and Mother, to the peaceful end of life, she was always asking if we were ok. Its our turn to make things beautiful for you and we know that she can trust us now to do this for her. Thank you for putting your trust in us and for all the LOVE you gave us. We will always ask "What do you think" and will always share everything with you and still depend on you. Your Inspiration is something we will never forget.

LOVE YOU…LOVE YOU… LOVE YOU… TO THE MOON AND BACK.

A Life well lived and Well Loved. MISS YOU SO MUCH. Your Family Please

Join us for a Celebration of Life June 11 Sunday From 12-3pm 1193 Front Road, Kingston Donations can be made in Mary's Name to Kingston General Hospital Kidd 4 or the Spay and Neuter Kingston Initiative