Ruby Luba Lena Costello (Demchuk) passed away on October 16, 2024 with her husband and daughter by her side. She was a beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, sister and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Ruby was born on August 4, 1943 in Atikokan, Ontario to Anne and George Demchuk where she spent the majority of her life. When Ruby was a Young Adult she moved to Winnipeg to work as a Nurses Aid until her love Bill Costello asked her to marry him in 1965. After marrying, Ruby and Bill moved back to Atikokan to start a life together and a family. Ruby was blessed with three children and 4 grandchildren who she loved to spend time with. When the kids were young, many summers were spent vacationing in the green bus or camping at Finlayson Lake.
After the mine closed Ruby and Bill bought a lot on Chub lake spending many years building and rebuilding until it was their dream home. Ruby and Bill spent a good portion of their lives living at the lake. Many years were spent with children laughing, family feasts, boat rides, exploring, bonfires and plenty of good times feeding Whisky Jacks right out of her hand. After Bill's retirement Ruby and Bill went on many trips, she loved RVing for all the beautiful sights but also so she could bring her furbabies.
Ruby was a devoted Wife and Mother doing everything she could for her family. She loved to cook for her family, showing her love through meals. Every birthday she made each family member their favorite meal and dessert. Living at the lake with Bill was her passion, exploring, looking for old bottles and coins, gardening, feeding the birds. Her love for animals, cats especially resulted in her rescuing countless cats over the years. When not spending time with family, Ruby loved to play Bingo, going every week hoping to hit the jackpot. In January 2019 Ruby was infected with Encephalitis and suffered a brain injury which stole her memories.
Her family was blessed with 5 more years together but she struggled to remember everyday.
Ruby is survived by her loving husband Bill, her children Richard (Niki), Ruby Ann, Billie (Cary); grandchildren Richard, Cierra (Josh), Annie and Bianca; Sisters Elsie, Helen, Doreen, Shirley and brother Gary and brother-in-law Cecil, numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved furbaby Harry Whiskers. She is predeceased by her parents Anne and George Demchuk, mother-in-law Rita Thompson, sisters Vera Sutch and Katherine Greenblat, brother Bobby, brothers-in-law Bill Wihnan, Robert Sutch, Dale Watson, Robert Banks, Chris LaChance and sister-in-law Jaunita Clifton.
As per Ruby's wishes, a private family memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Best for Kitty 308 Fifth Street west, Fort Frances, ON P9A 3S1; via e-transfer bestforkitty@gmail.com; www.bestforkitty.net for instant receipts or Ruffcue by sending an Interac e-Transfer to ruffcue@mail.com or by visiting their website at https://ruffcue.ca/how2help/donation?view=Contributions&task=civicrm/contribute/transact&id=1&reset=1
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
