Saturday, March 20, 2010

Ruth Clarke Spencer 1916 - 2010


My mom, who was 93 years old, passed away peacefully this morning just after 3:00 AM. We had a wonderful Christmas with her, and the next day she went to the hospital with pneumonia. After a stay there she went to a nursing home across the street, and has been there for two and one-half months. She has never been sick a day in her life, and so we are so thankful that she passed away peacefully. My sisters and I were talking today about all that she has given us. Our mom was the most selfless person we have known, and she sacrificed so much for all of us. She was gentle, and quiet and humble, and imbued us all with these qualities. This is a snapshot of my mom, with my sister Karen back in 1946. Isn't she beautiful?

10 comments:

ken schwarz said...

We should all be so fortunate to live a rich and full life with a loving family and friends. Your mom was indeed a beautiful person who left this earth on her terms and with the legacy of her wonderful children and grand children. While she will be missed, her spirt will live on!

Anonymous said...

A mother could receive no better gift than the adoring love of her only son. Daughters are expected to be close, but when a son wants to stay and touch and be near, it's truly something special. Ken Schwarz is right...we should all be so fortunate. May the love of your family and wonderful memories of your mom fill your heart, Ken. You were a gift to your mother, and she to you. Peace.

ginger said...

through you, we too feel as if we were lucky enough to know your mother, and to appreciate her. her death reminds us of those qualities, and gives us a reason to reflect on them (we should do that more often). she was indeed beautiful, outside and in. many good thoughts are with you and your family.

Ken Spencer said...

Thank you all for your lovely and comforting thoughts. I am also lucky to have so many friends, both in life, and as readers of this blog, and I really appreciate you all so much.

Amy said...

Wow, what a gorgeous photograph. She really was beautiful. I'm so sorry you've lost your Mom. It's wonderful that you and the Aunts got to talk about what was so great about her and her life and what you got from her, because that is how she'll live on, through you and us and our kids from here. Gramma was a lucky woman to have you and her daughters be so close and take such good care of her, and like you said, to have those qualities she imbued in you all live on.
Love you Dad,
Amy

Chuck said...

Don't know what happened, Ken, but I thought I had sent a comment earlier in the day. I'll give it another try.

This was a wonderful tribute to your Mom. I wish I could have known her. But maybe I do know her a little...just by knowing you.

Anonymous said...

Big brother Ken summed it up beautifully. May all of your wonderful memories sustain you during this difficult time....
-n.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss.. God bless and be with you and your family..

Anonymous said...

We have all been blessed to have such a wonderful Mom. We will miss her but her love lives on in each of us.
Joan

Julia Pelish said...

I am glad your mom's life was long, rich and appreciated. So sorry for your loss. The tribute you wrote is beautiful.