Ruby Ayer, lovingly called “Mum,” “Nanny,” “Nanny Beach,” and “Rube” by those who cherished her, passed on peacefully Oct. 18 at the Sackville Memorial Hospital. Ruby was born in the nursing-birthing house on 80 Queens Rd. in Sackville, N.B. in 1920. She was the daughter of the late Ross and Jemima (Campbell) Phinney. After graduating from high school, Ruby worked at the Sackville Tribune as a linotype operator. At the end of the Second World War she met and married Charles Harper Ayer of Middle Sackville. This union resulted in her being the first woman to give birth at the Sackville Hospital. As a banker’s wife, she lived in Ontario, Newfoundland, and various places in New Brunswick, before returning to Sackville after her husband’s death. She selflessly devoted her life to raising two sons and supporting her husband. Though continually moving from place to place, she maintained a warm and loving home. Holidays and birthdays were made very special, her Christmas recipes enjoyed by all. During this time she loved curling and playing golf, and later, reading her newspapers and playing bridge. She maintained a cottage at Parlee Beach solely for the enjoyment of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. All of her life, she gave freely and generously, making her friends and family feel special and loved. Her legacy is the love she gave and instilled in those around her. Those who knew and loved her so well include her son, Don (Sylvie Delisle) of Montreal; daughter-in-law, Connie Ayer of Sackville; her four grandchildren, Suzanne Soper, Matt Ayer, Jane Ayer, and Molly Ayer; four very special great grandchildren, Timothy, Heidi, Nathaniel, and Molly; two brothers, Ross “Jim,” and Otis (Edna) of Sackville. Ruby was predeceased by her husband, Charles (1997) and her son, Richard (2005); also by four sisters, Eva Brown, Cavell Mesheau, Connie Carter, and infant Margaret Rose Phinney, and by three brothers, Bill, Donnie, and Jerry. Arrangements have been entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville. Cremation has taken place. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, from 7-9 p.m. at Campbell’s Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place on Friday, Oct. 24, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Vernon Vickruck officiating. Burial will follow in the Four Corners Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ruby may be made to the Middle Sackville Baptist Church, or to the charity of one’s choice.