Obituary of Ruth Wilcox

Wilcox, Ruth I – Ruth Iris (Bennett) Griffin Wilcox, 83, formerly of Grand Manan, NB, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2020 at the Passamaquoddy Lodge in St. Andrews, NB

Ruth shared her life with the late Francis Griffin (1989) and the late Preston Wilcox (2017). Born in Advocate, NS, Ruth was the daughter of the late Russell and Violet (Morris) Bennett.

Ruth is survived by Ava (Wayne) Sturgeon, Iris (Ken) Griffin, Alana (Robert) MacLeod, and Peter (Kenda) Wilcox; her grandchildren Vee, Holley, Blake, Kevin (Dawn), Kyle, and Tristan; her siblings Murray (Carol) Bennett, Willis (Elaine) Bennett, Carol (late Arden) Allen, Robert Bennett; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A special acknowledgement to her “fourth” daughter, Carolyn Wilcox, who was very dear to her heart.

Ruth is predeceased by her parents, her siblings Marilyn Bennett, James Bennett, Maril Bennett, Ross (Johanna) Bennett, and Wyman Bennett; her son, James Frank; and several sisters and brothers-in-law.
Ruth was born on February 7, 1937, and grew up on the Parrsborro Shore, NS, surrounded by her large, immediate and extended, family. Although rural farm life in the 1940’s was never easy, the stories she shared of her childhood and youth usually ended in gales of laughter over the mischievous antics of her siblings and cousins. Her ability to focus on the laughter, instead of the adversity, in her life was a trait that served her well.

After she and Francis were married in 1967, she moved to Grand Manan where they raised their family until Francis passed in 1989.  For over 20 years, Ruth helped support their family by packing sardines at the Connors Bros. factory. In 1997, Ruth and Preston were married and cherished their companionship, and time with friends and family, at their home in Seal Cove, and at the cottage at Beulah Camp in Browns Flat, NB.

Ruth’s home was a welcome place to everyone, and there was always a china cup (and it had to be a china cup) ready for spot of tea. She loved to knit socks for family and friends, and her homemade molasses cookies, and fish chowder and biscuits are legend. Ruth was a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend to everyone she met, and we will all miss her quick wit and mischievous grin.
All who loved Ruth would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Passamaquoddy Lodge who laughed with, and cared for, her over the past three years.

Relatives & friends are welcomed to attend a service in celebration of her life to be held on Thursday, July 30th, 2020 at 1:30 pm at Spruce Grove Cemetery in Mark Hill, Grand Manan, NB. Due to the present conditions dictated by the COVID pandemic, all who plan to attend are asked to be respectful of all gathered in maintaining physical distancing of 6 feet. If you are feeling unwell or showing symptoms of COVID 19 you should not attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fundy Community Foundation Inc. or to Hospice of Charlotte Inc. would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506-466-3110). On line condolences to the family or donations can be made www.humphreysfh.com