Ruth Rosalie Kylander

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ruth Rosalie Kylander announce the peaceful passing of their beloved mother, sister, grandmother and GG on Monday, March 19, 2018 at TBRHSC at 87 years of age. She was the fifth of eight children born to Pasquale and Rose (Scalzo) DeLuca in Port Arthur, Ontario on April 29, 1930. She married Aimo (Ky) Kylander on June 10, 1950.

Ruth was devoted to her family and friends, her faith and her community. There was nowhere she loved more than her cottage at Ishkibbible Beach, where every morning began with coffee on the deck, gazing at the Sleeping Giant. Over the past 50 years, many family gatherings and celebrations with immediate and extended family were hosted there, and GG was thrilled to continue these traditions with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the matriarch of the family, and her family extended to everyone she met. Sitting at her kitchen table, feasting on the constant flow of delicious food and baking was to be at the centre of her warm and welcoming home and family. Ruth was a special friend to so many, always insisting on doing things for others but reluctant to be the center of attention, never expecting anything in return. She loved nothing better than a game of cards with good friends and spending hours teaching her favourite games to her grandchildren. Ruth volunteered her time to her church and St. Joseph’s Care Group. She was twice honoured by the City of Thunder Bay and was given a 50 year pin for her volunteer work with the St. Joseph’s Hospital Women’s Auxiliary.

Ruth is survived by her children Gayle (Mike) Scherban, Brad (Cheryl) Kylander and Judy (Tim) Bresele as well as her grandchildren Joel Scherban (Katie), Riely Surcon (Scott), Jodi Kylander, Matthew Scherban (Riley), Jenna Holm (Andrew), Jason Bresele (Hannah) and Lauren Bresele and her five great grandchildren Bryce Kylander, Wyatt and Walker Surcon, Elliott Ann Scherban and Hudson Holm. Ruthie is survived by her brother, William (Marie) DeLuca (Cranbrook, BC), sister Rita Armstrong, and sister-in-law Ivy DeLuca of Thunder Bay, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Ky, her parents, her in-laws Martha and John Kylander, brothers John, Jim, Buddy and Tom DeLuca, sister Kathleen Kinahan, brother-in-law Tom Kinahan and sisters-in-law Hazel DeLuca, Wilma DeLuca and Ellen Rikkonen. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Stewart Kennedy for his many years of care and support, Dr. Boake and Dr. Shahbazi and the Renal Team, Dr. Kevin Miller, and the wonderful nursing staff on 3A at the TBRHSC. 

A funeral Mass for Ruth will be held on Friday, March 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church, celebrated by Rev. Victor DeGagne. Visitation will begin one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Underground Gym or charity of your choice would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com. Arrangements entrusted to the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street.