In memory of
Ruby Beatrice Brett, née Clark
March 7, 1935 - September 9, 2026
Sister to 9, Mum to 4, Grandma to 9, Great-Grandma to 17.
As one of ten siblings, family was inevitably at the heart of who Ruby was. The bonds she had with her sisters and brothers were deep and eternal. Jim, Ada, Dorothy, Rene, Joyce, Sylvia, Joe, Charlie and Rose were always in her heart and top of mind. Ruby had many stories of growing up in London, and as war evacuees, while the three eldest served in the Armed Forces. War had a lasting impact on them all.
It is not surprising Ruby was drawn by the peaceful optimism of Lester B. Pearson, and with husband John moved her family to Canada at the age of 22.
Mum to Michael, Janice, Christine, and Gary, she nurtured a sense of adventure, humour, and a love and respect for nature. As children and adults they had her unconditional love - most of the time.
Grandma to nine, she would take each one on outings around Toronto, and then later joined their families on adventures with her great-grandchildren. She was always there to give extra love and encouragement when needed. Two more generations with fun memories and forever knowing that unconditional love - all of the time.
Ruby was on Facebook before many of her grandchildren, using it first to be part of the daily life of siblings, children, nieces, nephews - from the UK to Florida and California. She treasured calls, updates, and most of all visits filled with talks, walks, singing, and of course hugs.
She was fiercely proud of Canada, and expected the very best from our country, especially in caring for those less fortunate. She made the world around her better - giving her time and voice to many causes.
Ruby was a weekly volunteer for over 30 years at Women’s College Hospital and Michael Garron Hospital. She channeled the best of who she was into these roles - beyond caring and organization, the ability to spot the people or things that needed attention before anyone else noticed. Ruby made a difference to patients, staff and fellow volunteers - she was especially proud of the young students who over the years went on to careers in medicine. No doubt they learned much being by her side.
East York and her street was an idyllic place for her senior years, like a small town with endless examples of what made it so special - the pharmacist who walked through snowbanks to deliver her a prescription in a storm, the little ones who would draw her sidewalk chalk art, plates of food delivered when a family celebration was happening nearby, and dearest Nancy who became family.
Even through her difficult last weeks she had kindness for those around her and was extremely appreciative of the nurses, PSWs, and family who cared for her.
Independent. Loving. Witty. Smart. Active. Proud.
🎵 Put a Little Ruby in Your Heart 🎵
As one of ten siblings, family was inevitably at the heart of who Ruby was. The bonds she had with her sisters and brothers were deep and eternal. Jim, Ada, Dorothy, Rene, Joyce, Sylvia, Joe, Charlie and Rose were always in her heart and top of mind. Ruby had many stories of growing up in London, and as war evacuees, while the three eldest served in the Armed Forces. War had a lasting impact on them all.
It is not surprising Ruby was drawn by the peaceful optimism of Lester B. Pearson, and with husband John moved her family to Canada at the age of 22.
Mum to Michael, Janice, Christine, and Gary, she nurtured a sense of adventure, humour, and a love and respect for nature. As children and adults they had her unconditional love - most of the time.
Grandma to nine, she would take each one on outings around Toronto, and then later joined their families on adventures with her great-grandchildren. She was always there to give extra love and encouragement when needed. Two more generations with fun memories and forever knowing that unconditional love - all of the time.
Ruby was on Facebook before many of her grandchildren, using it first to be part of the daily life of siblings, children, nieces, nephews - from the UK to Florida and California. She treasured calls, updates, and most of all visits filled with talks, walks, singing, and of course hugs.
She was fiercely proud of Canada, and expected the very best from our country, especially in caring for those less fortunate. She made the world around her better - giving her time and voice to many causes.
Ruby was a weekly volunteer for over 30 years at Women’s College Hospital and Michael Garron Hospital. She channeled the best of who she was into these roles - beyond caring and organization, the ability to spot the people or things that needed attention before anyone else noticed. Ruby made a difference to patients, staff and fellow volunteers - she was especially proud of the young students who over the years went on to careers in medicine. No doubt they learned much being by her side.
East York and her street was an idyllic place for her senior years, like a small town with endless examples of what made it so special - the pharmacist who walked through snowbanks to deliver her a prescription in a storm, the little ones who would draw her sidewalk chalk art, plates of food delivered when a family celebration was happening nearby, and dearest Nancy who became family.
Even through her difficult last weeks she had kindness for those around her and was extremely appreciative of the nurses, PSWs, and family who cared for her.
Independent. Loving. Witty. Smart. Active. Proud.
🎵 Put a Little Ruby in Your Heart 🎵