Obituary of Ruth McEachen (née Breen)

Ruth Mary Julia

January 16, 1935 - May 4, 2024

Passed at Hospice Renfrew surrounded by the love of her family. Ruth was a kind, compassionate and caring mother, sister, friend and neighbour whose deep faith and wisdom made her a guiding light for all blessed to have known and loved her.

Predeceased by her husband Weldon in 2014, and son Michael McEachen (Ingrid) in 2003, Ruth will be forever missed for her strength, gentle care and humour by her sons Stephen Roberge (Kerryn) and Sean Roberge, and her daughters Patti Sullivan (Barry), Cathy Summers (Jerry) and Sheila McEachen. She may not have been present for all of her children’s first breaths, but she will remain in all of their hearts until their last.

Ruth was the adored grandmother of 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, and cherished Aunt Ruthie to many nieces and nephews, especially niece Marilyn Burnett with whom she shared a special bond.

She will be greatly missed by her siblings Beverly O’Kane (late Bill), Anita Agnew (late Urban), Barry Breen (Sandy), Cathy Quinlan (late Pat) and Bonnie Shean (Charlie, late Donnie). She will also be remembered fondly by her sisters-in-law Loretta (late Reg) and Diane (late Bryan) McEachen. 

Ruth was proud of her Irish heritage and her Douglas roots where her Catholic faith and sense of community was instilled by her parents Margaret and Harold Breen. She was a proud graduate of the Class of 1956, St. Joseph's School of Nursing, Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston. Her vocation was perfectly chosen as she went on to offer compassionate care in Renfrew Victoria Hospital’s operating room and emergency department before moving to Toronto when she married Weldon in 1977.

Together, they forged a family life of fun, adventure, strong work ethic, and, most of all, love, as they gracefully guided six boisterous teenagers whose ties remain strong to this day. In Toronto, Ruth continued to nurse in various capacities until she and Weldon retired to Golden Lake, Ontario and Sarasota, Florida, where they continued to enjoy golf, boating, family, visitors, hosting meals, euchre, and many good parties.

Ruth's faith was at the core of her value system.  She was an active member of the Roman Catholic Church and found great comfort in her beliefs, even in tough times.  It also gave her the ability to be giving, kind and compassionate, and show incredible inner strength at the same time. She was one of those special individuals who could make those around her feel, and be, better people.

She was brave and irrepressible, even when faced with breast cancer two decades ago. Ruth loved fitness and her sports – watching and playing. She was an avid Senators and devoted Blue Jays fan and had a golf swing envied by many. 

Family and friends will be received at the Goulet Funeral Home, 310 Argyle St. S, Renfrew on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 331 Plaunt St. South, Renfrew, on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Cremation with inurnment at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Douglas, to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s honour to Hospice Renfrew or Breast Cancer Canada are appreciated.