I often think of Ruth, my friend, my mentor and truly a very special person. The many years of memories will always be with me.
I love you. Clare

I will always remember Ruth - the was a treasured friend, colleague and supporter. A very special human being. I was honored to know her

From my vantage point as her nephew, I can say that I have never heard a single negative comment from her in my life. She was so kind-hearted and generous with her feelings and we just couldn't help but reciprocate. Her affection for my young kids as their "otra oma" provided them with a sense of belonging and unconditional affection that will remain with them throughout their lives. Our only great regret was how COVID prevented us from visiting her ... first because we were stuck in Argentina for 10 months and then with our inability to fly home. For two years we promised to visit having originally planned to arrive around her birthday... but then postponement after postponement added up. By the time she died, we had just bought tickets for a few weeks hence with the express purposes of finally fulfilling our reneged promise. Alas, we were never able to fulfill that promise and will forever haunt me. We speak with the kids about her and we have some memorabilia that the kids know come from otra-oma.... and she left us an inheritance that we have used exclusively for the kids' art classes and soon for family travel... just the way Ruth would have liked it. She is always with us.... and we celebrate her continuously.

            Ruth Has Meant So Much to Me
When I first met Ruth 35 years ago at ECRS, she quickly won me over with her kind eyes and warm smile. Soon after, I discovered we had much in common. Just like my mother, Ruth fled Vienna from Nazi terror at a young age. We also both valued left-wing politics, loved folk dancing and folk music, and identified as progressive Jews.

Early on, Ruth encouraged me to join the ECRS Board, saying “They need someone like you, and you’d be good for it.” I demurred because I didn’t feel ready for it and thought it wouldn’t be a good fit for my interests and strengths. I felt honored, though, that Ruth thought so highly of me at a time that my self-confidence was a bit shaky.

Over the years my admiration for Ruth grew, as I observed her leadership administering events and teaching classes, such as folkdance, singing, and informal dramatics. Particularly, I noticed her ability to combine competence, sensitivity and fun, and I remembered saying to myself, “That’s the kind of leader I want to be.”

Fortunately, the opportunity to become that kind of leader eventually came, and Ruth initiated it. She requested in Echoes (ECRS newsletter) that anyone wanting to teach creative writing should contact her. I jumped at the chance, remembering my dormant passion for writing, and soon called her.

For several years afterward, at various free-time slots and an eventual trial class, I offered writing experiences. All the while, Ruth gave me valuable, supportive feedback, helping me to develop the skills and confidence that led up to teaching my first four-day class at Summer School. All this preparation more than paid off when the class participants gave me rave reviews.

Bolstered by my success made possible by Ruth, I went on to teach a long string of classes for the next 15 years with topics ranging from memory and creativity to diversity and the Beatles. In addition, the personal and professional development facilitated by Ruth, allowed me to evolve from teaching young children to a more fulfilling career teaching English to immigrants at a Community College.

Given my high regard for Ruth, she became my choice for helping to celebrate my wedding. Before the event, Alex and Ruth gave Donna (my wife) and me invaluable suggestions to enhance both our ceremony and celebration. During the festivities, Ruth led our guests in spirited folk dancing which created a feeling of connection and enjoyment rarely experienced at these occasions. 

A number of years after the wedding, when ECRS faced some difficult challenges, I stepped up to co-lead (with Donna) a major reform project known as the Future Planning Committee. Ruth rejoiced when she learned of my new position, reminding me that she always wanted me to take on a leadership role in ECRS, and now if finally happened! With enthusiasm, she joined the committee, and we worked side-by-side for several years to design an exciting new plan for change.

As Ruth aged, I was glad to visit her several times at a Westchester assisted living facility, glad to have written and performed a tribute song at one of her milestone occasions, and glad to have written a letter of appreciation several weeks before her passing. 

Although I’ll miss her dearly, I’ll always remember how much Ruth meant to me. I’ll remember how she enabled me to realize my potential because she believed in me and supported my striving toward growth. I’ll remember her wise, compassionate and joyful leadership, presenting me with a role-model toward which I continue to aspire. And, perhaps most of all, I’ll remember a very special human being whose friendship I was fortunate to have. 

What an amazing woman Ruth was! She had this way of making everybody feel special. She was my aunt's friend, my friend's mom, and so much more than that to me. I can't think of another non-relative of her generation with whom I felt such an instant kinship. She was a great listener, a warm and joyful person, and I loved our long-into-the night conversations at Nova Scotia dance camp and beyond. David and Ed, I'm so glad that you all had time together at the end. I know how happy she was whenever she was with you and how proud she was of both of you -- a great son and loving son-in-law! Sending big hugs to the whole family.

I had the honor to know Ruth for many, many years. We were both school psychologists and met through a support group that started as a professional group and quickly turned to a personal support group. We shared sadness joys, loves and wonderful times. Ruth was a beautiful person.  I will always remember her smile, her humor, her talent and her kindness. My life was enriched because of knowing Ruth. 

Forty years ago, I had the good fortune to be invited to attend an ECRS weekend and met Ruth and Alex. As we shared life experiences, Ruth shared that David was also a graduate of Bank Street College and we met at Winter workshop that December. Thus began a deep friendship with our extended friends and families, many celebratory parties and ECRS events. Knowing Ruth enriched my life through her joy of life, dance, family, friends and travel. I will miss her friendship and love.

Ruth was a beautiful human being. She nurtured everyone who was lucky enough to be in her presence. She always made us feel like we were very special. 

David, and Ed you were lucky to have Ruth as a role model for so many years. How wonderful that she was able to spend the last month of her life being near you.

While I never was lucky enough to meet Ruth, she certainly seems to me to have been a remarkable woman, and the extraordinary coincidence of Circle Pines left me amazed. I hope to hear more stories from you, David and Ed, as we move forward. Z'l.

David and Ed, So sorry for your loss. 
We have been lucky to have our parents as long as we did, but we are still never ready. I am so glad that you had her in Maine for her last few months.
Ruth was a beautiful soul, and I enjoyed every minute I was lucky enough to have spent with her. So many happy, fun memories.  Take care, God Bless

Fun loving
Welcoming
Family oriented
A strong leader
Good friend
Dedicated parent
Lived life to its fullest
Will be sorely missed
Patient teacher

Such a beautiful woman. She was a real inspiration to my leadership and the epitome of human kindness. So glad for her move to Maine where she could be with you both.