Obituary for Ruth Margaret Schwang (Becker)
Ruth Schwang (nee Becker/Southworth) passed away on October 10th, 2022.
Ruth was a leap year baby, born February 29th, 1932 in Berlin, Germany. She celebrated her 22nd + .5 birthday this year.
Bravely emigrating to Canada at the age of 19, landing in Edmonton where she became governess to 4 active youngsters. The Southworths soon made her an official member of the family and Ruthie became their German speaking sister. Ruth met and married her Henry and together they made their way to Vancouver where they found their promise land. Ruth was famously one of the first to sport a bikini on the beaches of the city’s West End. Days spent with family and friends on “Bikini Beach” were some of her most cherished.
Ruth was the much beloved Wife of Henry, Mom, of Rebecca (Craig) and David (Heather), Oma of Jackson, Mischa and Kassy, Sister of Keith (Joan), Mac (Chris), Jane and Susan, Neighbour and Friend.
Known to many as “The Chocolate Lady”, if your smile caught her eye on one of her many walks, she would stop and ask, “do you like chocolate?” Upon hearing a “yes”, she delighted in presenting you with a treat.
She was a shining light, always positive with a smile and a giggle at the ready. Ruth hosted many a “Pflaumenkuchen” coffee party at John Lawson Park to which she welcomed her many friends in the community to partake in her famous baking.
Her family was her world, her grandchildren her pride and greatest joy and she selflessly devoted herself to all of us.
We are so grateful to Dr. Wayne Smith along with the team at the Brock Fahrni Pavilion for the dedicated and thoughtful care they provided our Mom.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer Society of BC in Ruth’s memory would be appreciated.
Keep sending your ladybugs and four leaf clovers our way Oma. We miss you forever.
Ruth was a leap year baby, born February 29th, 1932 in Berlin, Germany. She celebrated her 22nd + .5 birthday this year.
Bravely emigrating to Canada at the age of 19, landing in Edmonton where she became governess to 4 active youngsters. The Southworths soon made her an official member of the family and Ruthie became their German speaking sister. Ruth met and married her Henry and together they made their way to Vancouver where they found their promise land. Ruth was famously one of the first to sport a bikini on the beaches of the city’s West End. Days spent with family and friends on “Bikini Beach” were some of her most cherished.
Ruth was the much beloved Wife of Henry, Mom, of Rebecca (Craig) and David (Heather), Oma of Jackson, Mischa and Kassy, Sister of Keith (Joan), Mac (Chris), Jane and Susan, Neighbour and Friend.
Known to many as “The Chocolate Lady”, if your smile caught her eye on one of her many walks, she would stop and ask, “do you like chocolate?” Upon hearing a “yes”, she delighted in presenting you with a treat.
She was a shining light, always positive with a smile and a giggle at the ready. Ruth hosted many a “Pflaumenkuchen” coffee party at John Lawson Park to which she welcomed her many friends in the community to partake in her famous baking.
Her family was her world, her grandchildren her pride and greatest joy and she selflessly devoted herself to all of us.
We are so grateful to Dr. Wayne Smith along with the team at the Brock Fahrni Pavilion for the dedicated and thoughtful care they provided our Mom.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer Society of BC in Ruth’s memory would be appreciated.
Keep sending your ladybugs and four leaf clovers our way Oma. We miss you forever.