Dec 31, 1927 - Jan 19, 2018
Ruth was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, second of three children to Brigadier R.M. and Beatrice Gorssline.
The Gorssline family eventually moved to Ottawa and Ruth graduated high school in '45, travelling the globe a little before attending nursing school at Montreal General Hospital graduating in 1950. This was the first of her many steps towards service to others.
In 1955 Mum married and raised her two children Peter and Susan while she continue to work in nursing. Life changes for all of us and in 1977 Mum met the man she was meant to be with, Don Smith. Together they travelled the road of adventure on a motorcycle. Don and Ruth shared 8 amazing years in nature, seeing this country and sharing time with best friends at 31 Mile Lake. Don unfortunately passed in December of '85. After a visit to BC in 87 with Susan and Peter firmly planted in Revelstoke, Mum considered a move.
With the arrival of her grandson Kayne in 92, the deal was done and Mum moved to Sicamous. Not to close and not to far from her kids! Soon to be well known in the community, much of Mum's time was spent volunteering and she was passionate about her causes. Mum was most proud of the work she accomplished within the Restorative Justice Program. She spoke her mind freely, touched many people and will be missed by all of those that knew her.
Ruth is survived by her children Peter (Carol), Susan (Kelly), grandson Kayne (Deena), many nieces and nephews, especially Judy, her brother Scott and cousin Bob (Denyse). Mum will be missed very dearly by her best friends Terry and John, as well as the many friends she made along the way.
At Ruth's request, there will be no formal funeral service. We will however have a tea at the Seniors Centre this Spring to celebrate her life. (Date/time TBA)
Special thank you to Dawn, Cyndi, and the staff at Shuswap Lake General Hospital plus the entire care mum received while at Hillside village.
Online condolences may be sent to Ruth's family through her obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
