MUNCASTER, Francis Ruth

At the Great Northern Nursing Centre on Friday, June 8, 2007 at the age of 84 years. Daughter of the late Alma and Bill Stephens (Stephan). Wife of the late Allan Muncaster. Dear mother of Rick (Darlene) and Paul (Theresa). Grandmother of Christopher and Joshua Muncaster. Special friend of Ron and Carol Boissineau, Anne Ferris, Ken Wasson, Don and Karen Jones, Bob and Mary Wilson, Dave Zeppa, Linda Primo, Adrienne White and Rebecca Zaharuk. Sister of Bernice Brooks (Doc), Gertrude Ulcher (Gustaf), Bernard Stephens (Gloria), Betty Stephens, late Shirley Ann Berger (late Les) and the late Mary Pratt. Sister-in-law to the late Walter Muncaster (late Bea), late Victor Muncaster (Audrey), late Laird Muncaster (late Gerri), Clarence Muncaster (late Irene), late Ross Muncaster (late Irene) and the late Wilbert Muncaster (late Alva). Special aunt to many nephews and nieces, she took the time to get to know many of them and their children, especially her brother and sisters children and genuinely enjoyed their company. Ruth was a much loved and respected friend and counsel to many family friends and their extended families. She was a caring mother and grandmother, an entrepreneur and world traveller. Ruth particularly enjoyed her days as a mentor to students from foreign countries studying in Canada. This relationship led to extended travel to Africa, India, Europe and Asia, and more importantly, to many lifelong friendships. Intensely proud of her independence, she struggled with increased lack of mobility her final years. She missed her friends dropping by, the ability to travel on her own and the pride associated with being able to take care of oneself. Whenever asked how she was her coined phrase was 'good enough' and she meant it. She very much appreciated the care and assistance of her son Paul and his wife Theresa with whom she lived for many of her late years. A devout Christian for most of her life, Ruth embraced Catholicism and the Protestant and Anglican faiths before settling in the end on her own one-on-one relationship with her God and her conception of the hereafter. Ruth will always be remembered as a person who spoke her mind, stayed true to her principals and gave openly of her time and resources to whoever needed them. The door was always open at Ruth's house, never a need for keys or even a knock .....friends just walked right in. A celebration of Ruth's life for family and friends will be held at the Northwood Funeral Home (942 Great Northern Road 945-7758) on Thursday, June 14, 2007 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. At Ruth's request there will be no funeral service. Memorial donations made to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated by the family. Her ashes will be placed at her beloved Goulais Bay cottage. Profoundly and justly spoken, her last words were 'when did I get old?' Never Ma, never.

Special thanks to Anne Ferris for providing ongoing care and loving comfort during Ruth's difficult time.