Obituary of Ruth Patune

Ruth Patune

May 16, 1929 - August 16, 2022

It is with both sadness at our loss, and joy at having had her for so long, that we announce the death of Ruth Patune (nee Deligdisch), 93 years young.  

Ruth was born in 1929 in Stettin, Germany (now Szczecin, Poland).  The date and geography tell you everything you need to know about her childhood.  Her brother, Claus, and she were raised alone by their mother through war, with all its horrors and deprivations.  Ruth emigrated to Canada in 1954, where due to her sponsorship she was eventually joined by her mother and brother.

In Canada Ruth met her husband Kaljo, a fellow refugee, in his case from Estonia.  Unable to have children of their own, after a gestation period of 9 months of prayer they were blessed with the adoption of their daughter Michelle in 1966.

Ruth experienced the worst of human nature, but also the best.  She was the recipient of extraordinary acts of kindness, which instilled in her the loving, generous spirit that benefited all who knew her.  During the war, her mother’s best friend handed over her paycheque for two years, keeping Ruth’s family from starving.  Mary and Scott McClemont met Ruth on a train when she was moving from Winnipeg to Toronto with no money, no place to stay and no plan, took her home and made her welcome in their spare room for the next year.  Ruth paid all of this forward.  She volunteered in her church’s soup kitchen well into her 80s, never passed a homeless person without giving money and constantly complimented strangers on their beautiful attire.  

Ruth is predeceased by her mother (Gertrude) and husband (Kaljo).  She is survived by her loving daughter Michelle, son-in-law David, brother Claus, many adoring nieces and nephews, particularly Judy (Dave), grandchildren Meghan (Mark), Ryan (Miriam), great granddaughter Yara, and many others to whom she was a special chosen “Auntie Ruth”, especially Ella.

A special thanks to the wonderful team at The Dunfield where she “lived like a queen” in her last years, the Temmy Latner Palliative doctors and nurses who supported her at home and finally to the amazing staff at Bridgepoint Health, where she spent her final days in complete comfort.  

The family will be holding a private celebration of life.  In lieu of donations, do something to make someone smile. 

Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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