Obituary of Ruby Rawlings

Rawlings – Ruby Margaret (Pear) of Brampton, formerly of London passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the age of 93. Beloved wife of the late David Spencer Rawlings and loved mother of David Wayne (Heather) Rawlings and Karen (Bryan) Saylors, proud grandmother of Michael Rawlings, Laura (Gregory) Stevenson, Kathleen and Martin Saylors and great-grandmother of Liam Stevenson. She is fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Ruby was born Jan. 25, 1931 in Heart's Content, Nfld., the daughter of the late Frederick and Margaret (Hanlon) Pear.  

Ruby’s husband David, or “Poppy,” was the love of her life and she was his. They adored being parents to David and Karen and doted on their grandchildren, looking for every opportunity to visit, babysit and cook a big family meal. She missed him greatly after his passing and we take comfort in knowing they are together now. 

Ruby’s joy was her family and she loved celebrating their accomplishments. Always a bragger when it came to her family, Ruby’s friends always knew what her grandkids were up to. She was elated by the arrival of her first great-grandchild Liam and would often ask when she could go see the baby, and spoiled him with toys and treats. 

Ruby had a contagious laugh and a quick sense of humour. Even in the final weeks of her life, she would surprise you with a joke that made you do a double-take before you started to laugh. Ruby had a smile that would light up the room and she gave the best hugs, pulling you in tight with unexpected strength before she told you she’d see you soon. 

Ruby adored her friends, often spending an hour or more a day on the phone talking to those she cared about far and wide. She was never too busy to talk when you called and was always eager to hear about what was happening in your life.

She loved sending and receiving mail, often mailing her grandkids a loonie or toonie taped into a card to buy a treat. In turn, Ruby always had an array of cards sitting on her kitchen table sent by friends and family, taking pleasure in knowing she was thought of and loved. 

Anyone who knew Ruby knew she liked her wine and her snacks. Each day, she’d have a glass of wine and an ice cream cone. At Christmas her family would gift her chocolates, especially Turtles, as she was fond of saying she didn’t need anything except some snacks – and she’d remind you when she was running low! 

Ruby was a gifted knitter. Knowing her eyesight would be gone one day, Ruby knit many afghans and baby blankets for her grandchildren and someday great-grandchildren, so they could all have something from their “nana.” In later years, Ruby would knit toques for kids. She could often be found sitting in front of the TV knitting until her hands were sore. She would donate hundreds of hats each year to Christmas charities. She took pride in knowing that the children would have something warm and made with love for their “little heads.” 

When she wasn’t knitting or on the phone, she was in the kitchen baking something tasty. She was especially gifted at making bread, working without directions from a recipe she had memorized years ago. Extra loaves would be gifted to neighbours and friends, raisin bread was a particular favourite of us all. 

Throughout her life, Ruby took great pride in being a consistent blood donor, recognized with numerous awards for more than 50 donations and giving blood when called upon in emergencies. Generous and loving, she was always willing to help in any way possible. 

A celebration of Ruby’s life will be held at the McFarlane & Roberts Funeral Home, 2240 Wharncliffe Rd. S., London on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at noon, luncheon to follow. Visitation one hour prior from 11 a.m. to noon with interment of ashes later in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Ruby’s memory to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.  Online condolences available through www.mcfarlane-roberts.ca. 

To Those I love and Those Who Loved Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go…

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears;

Be happy that we had as many years.

I gave to you my love, you can only guess,

How much you gave to me in happiness,

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it’s time I traveled on alone

So grieve awhile for me, for grieve you must

Then let your grief be comforted by trust,

It’s only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on;

So if you need me, call and I will come,

Though you can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near

And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear,

All of my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile and say, “Welcome Home”

Author Unknown.