Obituary of Ruby Jessie Norton

NORTON, Ruby Jessie (nee Baker) in her 97th year passed suddenly and unexpectedly on
Monday, October 28, 2024 at Markham-Stouffville Hospital.

 

Loving wife of 54 years to the late Gordon Norton, beloved mother of Lee Anne Kuyt
(Robert). Doting grandmother of Daniel Kuyt (Corinne) and Benjamin Kuyt.

 

Ruby was a lifelong resident of Markham, Ontario. Born to Walter and Verna Baker (nee
Simpson) she was little sister to three older brothers, (predeceased) Austin (Irene), Jack
and Daniel (Bud) Baker (Jean) and resided at 288 Main Street North Markham until marrying
Gordon in 1951.

 

In 1957 Gordon and Ruby built their “forever” home on Abercorn Road in Markham. Gordon
resided there until his death in 2006 and Ruby continued to reside in the residence until
November 2022 when she then moved to Parkview Home in Stouffville.

In 1945, Ruby graduated Grade 13 at Markham High School on Joseph Street. She then
went to work for the Woodbridge & Vaughan Telephone Company and later gained
employment with Ontario Hydro on Church Street until they relocated, at which time she
went to work for Markham Hydro until she retired in 1990.

 

Though married in 1951, Ruby would wait 13 years to experience motherhood, a job she had
always looked forward to. She did birth the three children she had always wished for (a boy
and two girls), but sadly the first two were born, “sleeping angels” - a boy in 1961 and a girl
in 1962. When Lee Anne was born in 1964, motherhood was Ruby’s most prized role. She
was the most wonderful mother and lifelong friend to her daughter.

 

Once she retired, Ruby and Gord spent as much of their time as they could with Lee
Anne’s family, sharing in watching their grandsons grow into the young men they are now.

 

Always remembered as a gentle and caring woman, Ruby will be greatly missed by her
many nieces and nephews and all who knew and loved her.

 

The family wishes to extend their thanks to Dr. Leung and Dr. Gnanapandithen and the
nurses and staff in Emergency and 1-East at Markham-Stouffville Hospital for all that they
did for Ruby in her final days.

 

Thank you also to the residents and staff at Parkview Seniors Home in Stouffville for their
friendship and care.

 

Cremation has taken place and the family will hold a graveside service at the internment of
her ashes at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Markham-Stouffville Hospital Foundation or
a charity of your choice.