In memory of

Ruby Samlalsingh

June 1, 1921 -  January 6, 2021

Ruby passed away peacefully at her residence in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness. She was predeceased by her sisters Viola, Ena, Winnie, Sylvia and Wilma, and her brothers, Wilfred and Winston; She was the Aunt of Cintra Cassidy (Patrick dec.), Sonia Chater (Keith), Gerard Moosai-Maharaj (Dorothy), Indira Reynolds (Gord dec.), Neil Ramdeholl (Victoria), Kirk Samlalsingh (Colleen dec.) and Kimberley Jodhan (Roddy); a Great Aunt to their children and a Great Great Aunt to eight. She was a cousin of the Kowlessars, the Samlalsinghs, the Boodoosinghs, the Sammys, and the Bissessars; and a dear friend to many in Trinidad, across Canada, in the U.K. and beyond.
Ruby lived a full, long and enviable life. After a B.A. degree at the University of Manitoba, followed by a diploma in the Social Sciences at the University of Liverpool, she returned to the West Indies where she is remembered, most importantly, for her work in British Guyana in the 1950’s. There she was greatly responsible for improving the lot of the families of the Sugar Estate workers. She always maintained that this was the job which gave her the greatest satisfaction and fulfilment. Ruby later worked at the University of the West Indies before returning to Canada and McGill University in 1963 where she completed a Masters’ degree in Economics. There was a stint at the Bank before entering government service both at the federal and provincial level. She ended her career in the Office of the Premier in Ontario and the Ministry of Labour in 1986.
Ruby’s interests were wide and varied. She loved people, her family, and she had many faithful and true friends. She was a great hostess. She enjoyed opera tours to the United States and to Europe and her travels took her to India and Sri Lanka, across Europe and into Scandinavia, to Vietnam and Cambodia, to Israel and Egypt and many others places in between. In so many ways, however, Ruby’s heart remained in the Claxton Bay of her youth and in the house in which she grew up and that she adored even to the end.

In Ruby's honor, donations can be made to the Church on the Hill Food Bank.

She will not be forgotten.

"We would like to thank all those friends and relatives who took time to express their admiration and their love for Auntie Ruby in her Guestbook on this site and those, too, who telephoned, sent cards and emails to reminisce and remember her. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Sonia"

Guestbook 

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Deanne Butchey (Great-niece)

Entered January 11, 2021 from Florida

Always enjoyed my annual visits with her where we discussed politics, the economy and especially the stock market. Her mind was sharp until the end! I will deeply miss her! RIP, Aunty Ruby!

Sharron Harrikissoon ( Lakhansingh) 

Entered January 11, 2021 from Oakville Ontario

Our prayers and condolences to the family and friends. RIP Aunty Ruby

Chrissy Dookeran (Cousin)

Entered January 12, 2021 from Tunspuna

What a pleasure to have her compsny at my home with my mum Sylvia Boodoosingh-Dookeran. Aunty , may you rest in peace!

Junior and Linda Sammy. (First cousin on juniors mothers side.Sybil s son.)

Entered January 12, 2021 from Sum sum HILL, CLAXTON BAY, TRINIDAD.

AUNTY RUBY WII ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR HER ACCMPLISMENTS. SHE WAS TRULY A MARVELOUS WOMAN, SHE HAD THE ABILITY TO CONVERSE AND MIX WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND TREAT THEM ALL THE SAME.
I KNOW FOR SURE THAT SHE WAS LOVED AND ADMIRED BY EVERYONE WHO MET HER.
A TRULY ACCOMPLISHED WOMEN. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL.
MAY ETERNAL REST BE GRANTED TO HER OH LORD WE PRAY.

Karyn Anjali Mathura-Arthur (Cousin of Kirk and Kim Samlalsingh)

Entered January 12, 2021 from Lakeland

My condolences to you and your family. May our prayers help you through this difficult time. Sure she will be missed by all.

Life Stories 

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Darryl Samlalsingh (Ruby was a first cousin to my father Cyril)

Entered January 12, 2021 from Toronto Canada

Amazing Grace and Endless Love :
Two qualities which Aunty Ruby possessed in overflowing abundance.
Because you left us so unexpectedly, I now take this opportunity to thank you for the privilege to be a miniscule part of your exemplary life. I will always cherish the thousands of kilometres we covered in our frequent trips to Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston and especially your favourite Niagara Falls. Thank you for making me part of the lives of your two close friends Leila and Molly. I miss them too.
I am grateful for all the precious stories that you shared of your life experiences over a century. They are irreplaceable, and certainly provided many answers to so many mysteries.
You taught me that business cases were required when we went to buy toilets, paint, telephones ,TVs and everything else except wine. Those were frustrating times for me but then I remembered that you were a Senior Economist of the classical variety.
You will always be remembered for your intellect, your humility, grace and youthful personality. In the words of Tina Turner, you were SIMPLY THE BEST, BETTER THAN ALL THE REST. RIP.

Finally, I would like to thank Vanessa, Sonia and Keith among others who were always there for you.

Photos 

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