Ruth (née Irwin) Maheu

Our mother, who lived life fully with love and determination, passed away on Friday, August 11th, 2017 at the age of 96 years.

Ruth Maurine Maheu was born in Lethbridge, Alberta in March 21, 1921. She was the only child of Paul and Glona Irwin of Barons, Alberta. Having been raised on a farm, she developed a deep love of animals and the beauty of nature.

Ruth rode her horse to Centre Ridge Country School east of Barons. She went on to complete high school in Vancouver, BC. In 1947, she graduated as a registered nurse from St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. Later that year she married Marcel Maheu. Ruth was the loving mother of two daughters; Barbara Louise and Helen Andree/Tavia. She has two grandsons Ira Kai (Kira Maheu) and Lorien Marcel (Angela Palmer).

Ruth had a varied professional career. She started as a registered nurse in Calgary, became an owner of Renaissance Imports (a gift store in Centre Village mall) and later was a retail clerk in the china department at Woodwards in Lethbridge. Her interests included membership in the Lethbridge Artist's Club, Southern Alberta Art Gallery, the CNIB and the Ladies of Kiwanis. Ruth always loved music. She started singing in church choirs at the age of 16 and continued as a member of Woodcliff United Church in Calgary and later McKillop United Church in Lethbridge.

Ruth had a loving relationship with her late husband Marcel and was very close to her daughters, grandsons and friends. She held a special place in her heart for the family of her late husband Marcel Maheu and her Irwin cousins and their families. She loved her cats, especially Cally, the calico cat that lived with her in her final years.

The memorial service will held at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH - 2329 15 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, August 19th, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Trevor Potter presiding.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either McKillop United Church (Growing the Dream) 2329 15 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 0X5 or a charity of your choice.