Ruth Estella (Symonds) Dennison, of Fredericton, NB, quietly slipped away and went to heaven on January 22, 2022, at York Care Centre. What a celebration she is enjoying! She is reunited with her beloved husband of 40 years, Alan (Denny) Dennison; her brothers, Conard and Fraser Symonds; and her parents, Rev. Gordon and Eva Symonds. She is also being welcomed home by her brother-in-law, Doug MacCallum, sister-in-law Edith Symonds, nephew Jarrod Symonds, and niece Natalie (Symonds) Brown. She is survived by her siblings, Betty MacCallum, Fred (Maridel) Symonds, and John (Willo Ann) Symonds, and her sister-in-law, Debby Symonds. She is also survived by many much loved nieces and nephews, as well as grand- and great grand-nieces and nephews.
Ruth was born on January 6, 1932, in Port Maitland, Nova Scotia. She attended school in Seal Cove, Grand Manan, NB, and graduated from high school as the valedictorian in Perth, NB. She pursued a career in nursing, and moved into administration fairly quickly. She was the Director of Nursing at both the Victoria Public Hospital in Fredericton, NB, and at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, NS. She moved to Calgary, AB, and eventually became the Executive Director of the Holy Cross Hospital. She had to retire early in her 50s due to poor health, and eventually moved back to New Brunswick.
Ruth was highly intelligent, extremely well read, articulate, an astute businesswoman, and so much more! She was also the life of the party, with a loud and contagious laugh! She loved vivid colours, big hats, and bright nail polish! She was a voracious reader, reading books of almost every genre. She had a lifelong interest in birding, and was always delighted to find a fellow birder! She loved to stay on top of current events, and subscribed to The Economist for years. She was determined to maintain a positive attitude, which she did, even in the face of years of suffering. She recently told friends and family that she was living a life of love! Her faith in Jesus was foundational throughout her life, providing hope and stability through many ups and downs.
The family is immensely grateful to Dr. Sheldon Wood, who provided attentive, excellent care for Ruth for the last few years. We are also so thankful for the care provided at York Care Centre during her stay of nine years, especially Wendy Banks, who was unfailingly wonderful with both Ruth and the family. So many of the staff lovingly looked after Ruth and went above and beyond what was expected to make her feel very special.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday, February 10, at 2:00 at Crosspoint Wesleyan Church, her home church, with Rev. John Symonds officiating. COVID-19 protocols will be followed, including proof of vaccination, social distancing, and masking. Seating will be at 50 percent capacity. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Symonds/Brown Scholarship fund at Kingswood University in Sussex, NB. Personal condolences may be offered at www.yorkfh.com.
