Age 54
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Wendy after a courageous twelve year battle with an undiagnosed chronic illness. It was a blessing that Wendy was able to fulfill her wish to return to her home on her cherished family farm surrounded by her many family and friends in her final days. Predeceased by her treasured father Eric Ruby, her grandparents and many aunts and uncles in the Boyles and Ruby family. Leaving to mourn with wonderful memories are her loving mother Audrey (Boyles) Ruby, much loved and endeared brother Roger (Tara Antle), adored nephews Cody (Vanessa Bennett) and Eric ("who will always own her heart"); her beloved Suz (Barb Gromick), Duckie (Ronnie Reynolds), special friend Dan Murphy and extended family and friends. Wendy will always be remembered as a fun, free-spirited and loving ("salt of the earth") girl who found pure joy each day that she spent on the family farm on Ruby Line, Kilbride. Her zeal for life was also evident in her many years as a member of the "Le Weekenders" softball team which saw Wendy as the catalyst of many good times and lots of laughter. Wendy's innate love of people was the driving force behind her decision to leave her much loved island and pursue a successful career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Her 22 years as an RCMP officer were spent in Nova Scotia where she was part of the Criminal Interdiction Team, a respected School Liaison Officer who thought nothing of sitting on a school roof for four days to raise funds for the school library, site facilitator during the Swiss Air and 9-11 tragedies and was founding member of Cops and Kids, an initiative to support at risk youth. Her time in the RCMP saw Wendy participate in and travel to Europe as part of the lance drill team in the Nova Scotia Tattoo. Wendy led, supported and displayed passion and commitment above and beyond what is typically inherent in the role of an RCMP officer. Wendy had a love for life that led her to travel North America, Europe and the Middle East as she sought out adventure. Every day whether travelling or at home was an occasion for celebration. Wendy found joy in the smallest of moments. Wendy wore her heart on her sleeve and shared a love for her hero Winnie the Pooh. As her hero Winnie the Pooh says, "Love isn't something you have to define to yourself. You feel love, give love and surround yourself with love." Visitation to be held from Barrett’s Funeral Home, 73 Commonwealth Avenue, Mount Pearl on Tuesday from 7-9 pm and then on Wednesday from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral service to be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Goulds on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Matthew’s Cemetery, Goulds. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Newfoundland Down Syndrome. Please visit www.barretts.ca to sign the memorial guest book.