Ruth Beverly (Riordan) MacKenzie Obituary (1943 - 2020)

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ruth Beverly Ellen MacKenzie on March 21, 2020 at NGRH after a lengthy battle with COPD and Heart Failure. Born on September 6th 1943 in Vancouver BC, her Parents Paul and Viola Riordan moved to Chemanius and predeceased her at a very young age. Ruth grew up in several foster homes, however found a home where she found much love in her late teens with Henry and Doreen (Mum) Rosenthal in Victoria, B.C. Ruth had a son, Donald to whom she gave up for adoption in May 1964 and later reunited with. Ruth met Bill in 1964, and they were happily married for 55 years. Ruth leaves to mourn: Bill, daughters Sandra (Lorne), Teena (Dean), and Don. Grandchildren: Sarah, Hailey, Joseph and Nicole and great grandson, James, her sister Joan, her nieces, nephews, "foster sister" Judy and husband Jim, and her beloved little dog Brutus. Ruth had many special friends that she loved that include: Donna B, Pat B. Earla G., Sheila T. Karen, Lori, Sherrin, Velma, Liz, Bill and the many others that she would phone, text, Facebook, email, visit and craft with, we can not possibly name everyone that she touched. Ruth was a talented painter, avid knitter and crocheter, a great baker and homemaker. Ruth worked many jobs in Nanaimo as a hardworking waitress for 35 plus years, at restaurants like ABC, Nanaimo Golf Club, Nanaimo Curling Club and others. After Ruth retired she volunteered her time with friends, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10 and Branch 256, she was a founding member of the Heart Sisters, a group to help other women cope with Heart Disease, she was a fan and season ticket holder for the Nanaimo Clipper's Hockey team. Ruth will be fondly remembered by many that enjoyed her laugh, her tenacious Will to live life to the fullest, while not missing anything. We are unable to gather at this time due to COVID 19 and we will plan a Celebration of Life for September 6 2020 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256, Nanaimo, B.C. and will publish a reminder closer to the date. Flowers are gratefully declined; if you wish, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or COPD Canada