Ruth C. Freeman

Ruth Freeman

Aunt Ruth, age 103, passed away on August 28, 2021 in the comfort of her home. Aunt Ruth entered this world on March 18, 1918. She arrived three months into the pandemic of the Spanish Influenza and the ratification of the 18 ^th amendment prohibiting alcohol. She was in time for the execution of the Romanovs in July and the end of World War I with the signing of the peace treaty in Versaille in June. Vaudeville was the exciting form of entertainment. Silent films were rare. Radio was in its infancy and would not be in most homes till the late twenties and mid-thirties. The top music of the day was Dixieland or Ragtime. Top three songs were the Tiger Rag, Al Jolson’s Rock-A-Bye Your Baby and I’m Always Chasing Rainbows. All sound perfect for whistling. Women would not get the right to vote till 1920 with the ratification of the 19 ^th amendment when Aunt Ruth would be two years old.

Our Aunt Ruth was a living witness to over 100 years of history. Just try to wrap your mind around that. Lindbergh’s flight across the Atlantic, the roaring twenties of Al Capone and Eliot Ness, two world wars, the Great Depression, Vietnam, Korean War, 9/11, 19 sitting presidents, the Cold War, the Cuban Missile crisis, the British invasion of The Beatles of the sixties, the race to space and Neil Armstrong’s historic moon walk. She would be 21 when TV was first commercially unveiled. That unveiling would happen at the 1939 World’s Fair in Flushing, New York. Rather interesting because so many of her future nephews and nieces would visit the 1964 world’s fair in Flushing Meadows with Aunt Ruth & Uncle Harry.

Starting with Gregory, her first nephew, she began as an aunt, setting the stage for the rest of us. We all knew her as virtuoso of whistling her own unique compositions. If you had been a baby, knew a baby, were having a baby or mentioned a baby, Aunt Ruth was the Wizardess of Wool. I defy any relative of hers to say they were not recipient of her incredible knitting talents. I feel sure there is a legacy of infant sweater sets or blankets that are still treasured and being handed down to new generations. Our amazing Aunt Ruth loved her nieces and nephews. This included the Cummings, DeStanfos, Robinsons, The Cherrys and Flay families. She spoiled us all in one fashion or another. She was firm but generous. Tough yet loving. She should not cut bangs or give a home permanent but she could show you a memorable good time.

Aunt Ruth was the one to take you to the circus, Rockefeller Center to see the Nutcracker Suite at Christmas, or get you a summer job at Macfadden Bartel. She taught us about good jewelry. She brought us clothes and toys for no special occasion. I don’t think one weekend of my childhood went by when she did not visit us and always with a box of marble cake and a variety of cookies from her favorite bakery in Flushing. She was old fashion, modest, moral and a devoted catholic. But she was quite the rebel by eloping with our dear Uncle Harry. Think about how radical and brave they were by that act. It was scandalous at the time, but it was her destiny. When she decided to do what she wanted to do, and not do what others wanted, watch out. Stubborn could definitely be her middle name. She loved a good scotch.

I can’t fathom all she experienced in her life. She will always remain solidly in my mind and heart as I am sure will hold true for so many others. I can see her in heaven surrounded by so many loved ones. I picture a BBQ in the backyard of my youth, under the apple tree at our former home on Orienta Ave in Mamaroneck. My Dad is giving her a scotch. My Mom has brought out a platter for Aunt Ruth’s cakes and cookies. Gregory is thrilled to see her and maybe he is showing her a new fishing pole. And Uncle Harry, well he is standing with a huge smile, calling out “Ruthie, I’ve been waiting for you!”

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on September 4, 2021 at 10:00 am DIRECTLY at St. Matthew's Church, 216 Scribner Ave. Norwalk. Private burial will be held at a later date. the Raymond Funeral Home in Historic Norwalk has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit www.norwalkfh.com to leave an online condolence for the family.

Dear Aunt Ruth

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rans fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

May her memory be eternal!