Obituary of Ruth St. John

Ruth Isabelle St. John (nee Abernethy) passed away peacefully at St Joseph's Villa in Dundas on September 16, 2012 at age 85. Loving wife of 58 years to the late Harold St. John who passed away December 2006. Born in Bowmanville, Ontario to James Hogg Abernethy and Emma Pearl (Metcalf) Abernethy. Ruth attended Teachers College (Normal School) in Peterborough where she met Harold and married in 1948. She taught at Ritson Road School for seven years before staying home to raise her three children. Left to celebrate her life, with love and great admiration are her children, Lloyd St. John (Markham), Lorraine (St. John) and Stephen Krawetz (Michigan), Lynne St. John-Peirce and Brian Peirce (Dundas) and her four granddaughters Rhochelle and Alexandra Krawetz and Meghan and Mackenzie Peirce who treasure memories of their Grandma and her quiet wisdom, love of music and laughter. Ruth will be missed by her brother Rae and sister-in-law Muriel Abernethy (Bowmanville), brother/sister-in-law Max and Reta St. John (Etobicoke), sister-in-law Helen St. John (Sunderland), mother-in-law Ruby St John, and her many nieces, nephews and life-long friends. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law Harold and Joy Abernethy and brother-in-law Royce St. John. We have been blessed to have Ruth in our lives. She was known for her radiant smile, quick wit, positive attitude, courage and grace. Visitation will take place Monday September 24, 2012 from 10-11 AM, followed by the funeral at 11 AM at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main St. North, Markham. Following the service, Ruth will be laid to rest at the St. John Cemetery, Lakeridge Rd, Durham 23, Sunderland. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Hearing Society, the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Canadian Diabetes Association.