HALIFAX – Ruth Margaret Sproull, 80, Halifax.
Peacefully, and surrounded by family, Ruth passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2011 in Halifax, Nova Scotia after several years of struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Ruth was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, on February 3, 1931, to parents Marion C. Hayden (nee Cantley) and Mr. Thomas Hayden QC.
She had a distinguished career in nursing, completing her pre-nursing studies at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, and then obtaining her RN at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, PQ, followed by a Public Health Nursing Diploma at the University of British Columbia. She commenced her nursing career with the VON as a public health nurse in the interior of British Columbia before returning to Nova Scotia to continue her VON work in Halifax. Following her marriage to Allison in 1960, the couple moved to Ontario and began to raise their family. Ruth resumed her work with the VON, then took a position with the Metropolitan Toronto Public Health Service until retirement from her career in 1983. Ruth loved music, particularly singing, and considered a professional career before making her commitment to nursing. However, her true passion was politics, she served the Progressive Conservative Party with dedication for many years, including the role of Federal Riding Association President in the Markham, Ontario region. She greatly enjoyed her reading group, her bridge gatherings, and choir practices at the Thornhill Presbyterian Church. She was a devoted neighbor and friend to many in her community, taking time and care to be with others who sought her support, compassion, and calm nature in times both good and challenging. She and Allison loved to travel, both together and with cherished friends, as well making annual visits home to Nova Scotia with their children in the summer before their retirement to Halifax in 2000.
Predeceased by her parents, and her sister Catherine Hayden Campbell, she is survived by her husband James Allison Sproull; son, William M. Sproull, his wife Julie Janoscik, granddaughter Kate M. Sproull; daughter, C. Anne Sproull, partner Charles Reynolds, granddaughter Emma M. Sise; sister, Maria Hayden Martens, brother-in-law, Hinni Martens; brother-in-law, Dr. Colin Campbell; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Sunday in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow (Bonniebrae). A memorial service will be held to honour Ruth’s life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia or the Victorian Order of Nurses would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences at: www.rhporter.ca