BODACIOUS Aunt Ruthie

In the Peace Garden of Roberts Bird Sanctuary, even the flowers shed a tear yesterday.

Go back 3 years ago to August 2014 and Natureman's Aunt Ruthie was happily celebrating her 90th. 

Fast forward to yesterday and most of these same folks were able to be present as we remembered what one of Auntie Ruthie's friend's called a 'bodacious' lady with a boisterous laugh and a good heart. In between rainshowers we travelled from Wisconsin to the funeral home to the Workman's Circle gravesite, a condolence meal at Sholom home and finally the shiva later that evening.

Auntie Ruthie would have enjoyed her sendoff. Memories of her full life as the importance of family, friend to all ages, a good cook, an activist protesting injustices, war, traveling even to D.C. for Planned Parenthood. She was not a quiet soul and you knew where she stood on the issues. A very sharp woman indeed.

Since I was usually taking pics this is the only one I have with me in it with Natureman, his Auntie Ruthie and Cousin Phyllis (one of her 3 daughters) after a Balto Bat Mitzvah when we were all a bit younger... 

Auntie Ruthie, your soul is with those you left behind. My life is fuller having known you. Geh gesund...