Obituary of Ruth Audrey Elliott
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Heather, Wendy, Joy and Gwen are saddened to announce the passing of their mother, Ruth Audrey Elliott, wife of the late James A. Elliott, on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, Fredericton at the age of 97.
Mom was born in Petitcodiac, New Brunswick to the late Clement and Cora (Colpitts) Powell. She spent her youth in Petitcodiac and, following graduation from Petitcodiac High School, worked in the office of H. A. Fawcett’s Lumber Company. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Jim Elliott, who was employed as a Machinist in Petitcodiac. When Dad enlisted and went overseas during WWII, Mom travelled to Moncton to attend machinist training and returned to Petitcodiac to work in Waterbury’s Machine Shop, which was contracted to produce defence equipment for the war effort.
Mom and Dad married in October, 1946 and moved to Fredericton where Mom was employed by Hall’s Bookstore, G. B. Murphy’s Jewellery Store and the Harriet Irving Library at UNB, where she spent the majority of her working career. She loved her work at the Library, and had many fond memories of the friendships she developed with her coworkers, students and professors.
Mom was an active member of the Lower St. Mary’s Women’s Institute since 1950 and was awarded a life membership in 1976.
Mom and Dad had an extraordinary marriage for 64 years. They enjoyed many activities together including bowling, square dancing, round dancing and spending summers at their cottage at White’s Cove, Grand Lake. Mom and Dad also enjoyed many trips in their retirement years to western Canada, the United States and around the Maritimes.
Mom is survived by 4 daughters – Heather Harding (Gary), Wendy Elliott, Joy Thomas (Robert) and Gwen Delong (Daryl). She is also survived by grandchildren Greg Harding (Michelle Paul-Elias), Josh Harding (Chelsea), Sarah Estabrooks (Derek Charters), Kate Estabrooks (John Lloyd), Joel Estabrooks, James Thomas (Rachel Howard), Alex Thomas, Emily Walker (Kyle Doucet) and Jenna Walker (Matthew Johnson). She is also survived by 10 great grandchildren, her brother, Clement Powell (Marilyn) of Sussex and her brother-in-law, Robert Elliott (Pat) of Fredericton, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Mom was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Gerard and Marjorie Powell of Petitcodiac, her half-sister, Ada (Powell) Anderson of Falmouth, Massachusetts and her sister-in-law, Mary Lou Elliott of Fredericton.
Due to current Covid restrictions, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private, family graveside interment service will be held in the spring at Sunny Bank Cemetery, Fredericton. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com
Donations may be made in Mom’s memory to Gibson Memorial United Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com
We would like to express our gratitude for the care Ruth received at both Paradise Villa and the Emergency Department at the DECRH.
