Ruth Lily Edith Keenan (Hill)
July 15, 1924 – March 2, 2023
Passed away peacefully on Thursday March 2, 2023, with her daughters, Mary Anne and Nora by her side, at Heritage Green Nursing Home at the age of 98 after a lengthy illness.
Predeceased by her husband, Albert Keenan (1991), son-in-law, Raymond Kennedy (2004), sister, Violet Hill (2019) and her daughter, Nora’s partner, Mark Rozad (2022).
Dear mother of Patricia (William) Snook, David (Colette) Keenan, Mary Anne Keenan, Nora Kennedy and Dawn (Sean Puckett) Keenan.
Beloved grandma to Michael (Jacqueline McIntyre) Snook, Christopher (Stephanie) Snook, Justin (Elizabeth Camastro) Keenan, Jarred (Caitlin Daly) Keenan, Hayden Keenan, Kierra Keenan, Sara (Ryan Stanley) Kennedy, Rachel Kennedy, Tabitha (Christopher Ladouceur) Whiteside and Kaitlyn Keenan.
Cherished great-grandma to Cameron Snook, Connor Snook, Ryan Snook and William Keenan.
Ruth was born in Nolalu, Ontario, west of Thunder Bay to Finnish immigrants Matti and Mary Hill. Ruth and her younger sister, Violet’s, first language was Finnish and they both spoke it to each other throughout most of their lives.
Ruth moved to Hamilton in 1949 to be with her future husband, Albert. They built a family home on the Hamilton Mountain and moved in with their first 2 children in late 1957. Three more daughters would come along in the next 8 years.
Ruth faced many challenges while raising her family. Her husband, Albert, was diagnosed with his first brain tumor in 1965 shortly after their youngest daughter, Dawn, was born.
Having grown up on a farm, Ruth’s love of gardening was evident throughout her life. She had a deep appreciation for music, especially Celtic music which would lead to plenty of foot tapping; she was an avid reader, always had a knitting project on the go and delighted in spoiling her grandchildren.
Ruth suffered a debilitating stroke in 2000 and her sister, Violet, along with her daughters were devoted caregivers to Ruth for the next 13 years.
Sincere thanks to the wonderful and caring staff at Heritage Green Nursing Home who looked after Ruth for the last 10 years of her life.
A graveside service will take place on Friday March 10, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Mount Hamilton Cemetery, 260 Rymal Road East, Hamilton.
As an expression of sympathy, a donation to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to M.A. Clark & Sons Funeral Home.