Ruth Purves Thorburn

The death of Ruth Purves Thorburn (nee Anderson) of McAdam, NB occurred on July 30, 2008 at Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital surrounded by her family.

Ruth was born in Salmon River, Victoria County, NB on July 23, 1912 to Charles and Mae (Gardiner) Anderson. They moved to McAdam at an early age where she spent the remainder of her life. She married her high school sweetheart, Ced, and raised a family. Ruth attended McAdam Composite School graduating in 1929 and then went on to attend the Provincial Normal School and the Royal Victoria School of Nursing in Montreal. Ruth applied her nursing skills in her community, administering palliative care to friends and family. In 1965 she went to work at McLean Memorial Hospital for eleven years-retiring in 1976.

Ruth enjoyed handiwork, knitting, sewing, playing cards with her "club" friends, bridge, bingo and crosswords. She was active in the McAdam Curling Club in the ‘60’s and 70’s. She made many friends and wonderful memories which sustained her in later years. Ruth enjoyed many visits with family and friends and received great support from her neighbors and homemakers which enabled her to reside in her beloved home until the last six months of her life.

Ruth was a proud, loving mother to her children Beverley(Judi) of Kentville, NS; Karen Lister (Duane) Rothesay, NB; Joan Dixon (Curtis) Fredericton; James Thorburn(Heather) Lake George, NB.

Ruth was equally proud of her eight grandchildren; Mark(Ann) Thorburn, Quispamsis, NB; Lori Forbes , Halifax, NS; Todd (Martha) Lister, Rothesay, NB; Tanya(Eric) Seely, Riverview , NB; Kim(Todd) Stephens, Fredericton,NB; Peter (Jodi) Dixon , Miramichi City, NB; Craig Dixon, Brockway,NB and Christie (Paul) MacKeigan, Lake George, NB as well as 18 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mavis Boudreau, two cousins and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, H Cedric Thorburn in 1984 and brothers Frank(Sadie) Anderson, Laurie (Lillian) Anderson, Keith(Doris) Anderson, and sisters, Mabel (Oswald) Coburn and Reta (Arthur) Estey.

Grateful thank you to staff at Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital for their kindness to mother and our family at this difficult time. Special thanks to Doctor Hayter and Doctor Hartt for their care.

Thank you mom for being the "wind beneath our wings" for so many years. This will continue as a mother’s love is forever.

Memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church in McAdam on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Ellen Beairsto officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, August 2 at St. Paul’s from 6-9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 12 noon. Interment will be in Rockland Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren: Mark, Lori, Todd, Tanya, Kim, Peter, Craig and Christie. Remembrances would be appreciated to the St. Paul’s United Church Fund or charity of donor’s choice. Condolences can be made online.