Obituary of Ruth Marie Lagundzija

NEW HARBOUR – Ruth Marie Lagundzija, 82, Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital, Veteran’s Unit, Pictou, formerly of Braeshore, Fairview, P.E.I. and New Harbour, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in the unit.

Born in New Harbour, she was a daughter of the late Harold Robert and Eileen Claire (Luddington) Wilson. Her children have lost their beautiful, kind, patient, and loving mother. Ruth was a marvelous mother who did everything she could for her children and family. She possessed a “huge heart” and her unconditional love allowed her to see the best in all people that came into her life, never to judge, but always to befriend or console.

Ruth was known as a talented seamstress who always had many sewing projects underway including multiple bridal ensembles and prom dresses. Sewing was truly her passion, and she was the hired seamstress for the Pictou Children’s Training Center for many years, and taught sewing at West Pictou Night School classes. The second chapter of Ruth’s life took her to Prince Edward Island with her late husband, Benny, where she worked at a nursing home and at the hospital in Charlottetown.

Ruth was a passionate gardener who could always be found in her greenhouse or garden. Her family were constantly amazed at how she could always find another space for a beautiful bush or plant. Her home along the river in New Harbour gave a spectacular background to her gardens on the riverbank. She loved her home and property in New Harbour, sailing along the river with her late husband and beloved dog, Sparky. In fact, she adored all animals, her own, her grand fur babies, and those of her friends.

Ruth adored her children, who she raised in Braeshore, Pictou County. She also mothered two foster children for a period of time. Her love extended to her two stepdaughters during her second chapter of life with Benny, spending several years in Prince Edward Island, before returning to New Harbour for the past 20 plus years of her life. She cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and always participated in all family functions which she truly loved.

Ruth possessed an enduring faith in her Lord and was a member of New Harbour United Baptist Church. She loved her church family and friends.  She faithfully attended church throughout the years and enjoyed many years singing in the choir.

She, along with her late husband, were instrumental in the development and construction of the Harbourview Community Center, New Harbour, of which they often volunteered at for events such as, New Harbour Days and the annual Pig Roast events. She shared “the river” with her very special and devoted friend, Sheila Gillie.

Surviving are her children, Cindy Anderson (Gerry Keay), Paul (Donna) Anderson, Rhonda (Glenn) Rehill, Donna Cabrera, Jillian (Tom) Boone; stepchildren, Anita Lagundzija (Jeff deFreitas), Christa Lagundzija (Darin Affleck); grandchildren, Owen Anderson, Emily Anderson (Alex Marchand), Johnathan (Anthonette) Rehill, Tyler Rehill, Sarah Rehill (Colby Dipersio), Nathan (Sarah) Beiswanger; great-grandchildren, Rosemary and Reggie Beiswanger; step-grandchildren, Jasmine, Jaden and Jackson Lagundzija, Casey and Darcey Affleck; sisters, Donna Fraser and Cheryl Stacey (Bill); brother, Peter Wilson (Carol); her former husband and father of her children, John Ronald Anderson.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Benedikt “Benny” Lagundzija; niece,  Jennifer MacEachern Nichols; sister-in-law, Sally Smith;  brother-in-law, Jerry Fraser.

The family will receive visitors 10-10:50 a.m. Thursday, April 18 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home Chapel, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. with Rev. David Wheeler officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, New Harbour.

Donations may be made in memory of Ruth to Women Alike (Breast Cancer Survivors) Society.

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