Lenna Ruth Gulovics (nee Smith)
Died peacefully in her 88th year on Sunday April 12, 2015.
Born April 16, 1927 in Midhurst, Ontario the youngest daughter of Ruth Rachael Smith (nee Black) and George Robert Smith.
Ruth spent her childhood in Midhurst and then trained to be a Registered Nurse at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie proudly graduating in June 1949.
Ruth’s varied nursing career spanned 40 years. Early on she was the plant nurse at General Electric, Barrie and she would substitute at RVH when a radiologist wasn’t available to take x-rays. Ruth also worked in the Muskoka Sanatorium in Gravenhurst. Ruth “specialed” as a private duty nurse including assisting her adored older sister, Kathleen (Kay) when she gave birth to her two oldest daughters, first Joy and then Ruth.
In April of 1956 she and her girlfriends made the drive to Canadian Forces Base Borden to attend a dance where she met her handsome soldier, Peter. They were immediately smitten and married on the 11th of August 1956.
Peter enticed Ruth away from her cherished family and beloved Midhurst for an adventurous life as a military wife. They would travel across Canada, down to El Paso, Texas and over to Germany on postings all the while Ruth was still nursing in a number of hospitals including in Brandon (and also at the TB Sanatorium there), Winnipeg, Manitoba, El Paso and finally Oromocto, NB. During her career Ruth worked in the OR, the ER, Obstetrics and Gynecology (she loved babies!) and finished as a Chronic Care nurse making the lives of the frail and elderly as comfortable as possible.
Children entered Peter and Ruth’s lives much to their delight. Kathie arrived in 1963 followed by Paul in 1965.
After travelling far and wide, Peter brought Ruth back to her beloved home town in 1998 where she quickly re-immersed herself in the community she so dearly missed and loved. Ruth joined the Midhurst Historical Society where she was an active member (sometimes showcasing her rug hooking skills!), played bridge with the afternoon card club at Midhurst United Church and volunteered at her old stomping grounds, the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Above all else, Ruth was a mother. She came from a long line of hardy, pioneer women who knew the value of a dollar, the merit of hard work and the absolute joy of family. Ruth could bake, cook, sew, knit, crochet, lace, macramé, quilt and rug hook all the while raising her children, entertaining friends with gourmet meals, bridge parties and animated conversations. Ruth was happiest surrounded by her family recounting the stories of her childhood in Midhurst (Johnny cat, the chicken coop, swimming in the creek, learning to drive, going to high school in Barrie and training at RVH).
Ruth will always be remembered by her devoted husband of 59 years, Peter Frank Gulovics and much loved by her children Maria Kathleen McCracken (Greg) and Paul Francis Gulovics (Shelley).
Cherished Oma to her grandchildren Andrew and Peter McCracken.
Beloved Aunt, Great Aunt and Great-Great Aunt.
Fondly remembered by Kyle, Katrina and Kristen.
Visitation will be at 1 pm Saturday April 18, 2015 at Midhurst United Church followed by a Service at 2:30 with Tea and Fellowship at 3:30. Interment at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Steckley Gooderham Funeral Home (705)-721-9921.
In lieu of flowers, donation in Ruth’s memory can be made to the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation. Condolences may be forwarded through www.steckleygooderham.com