The family of Ruth Christine (Lalonde) Racic sadly announces her passing on April 30, 2024.
Born December 25, 1936 in Ardeen Mine, Ontario - near Geraldton. Daughter of Andre and Josephine (Burns) Lalonde (both deceased). Wife of Martin (d.1999). Mother of Doug (d.1993), Greg (Erika) and Brad. Grandmother to Mackenzie, Jacob, Nikki and Frankie. She was also predeceased by her sister, Andree, and nephews Sean and Todd. Survived by niece, Lee, and nephew, Curtis.
She spent her childhood in Geraldton, then moved to Thunder Bay to proudly earn her nursing credentials at McKellar Hospital. Ruth worked for many years with many adventures in the nursing world - from psychiatric hospitals to doctors' offices.
She met her person, Martin Racic, at a dance at the Lakehead Coliseum in 1957. They married on September 12, 1958 in Thunder Bay where they lived their entire married lives. Typical of their generation, both were hard working and dedicated - raising their family of 3 boys, starting and running a successful construction business and building their dream home overlooking Lake Superior where they enjoyed many morning coffees on the upper balcony taking in the view of the Sleeping Giant and the ships in the harbour.
Ruth was always active and engaged - throughout her years she was an avid X-country skier, golfer, gardener, furniture refinisher, pickle-baller, camper and volunteer at various local organizations including over 25 years at the Thunder Bay AIDS Society. Along with Marty she spent more than 60 years as an active member and director of the Croatian Home Society.
In their retirement she and Marty traveled extensively in their motor home throughout Canada and southern and western U.S. Ruth was a devoted life partner to Marty and spent 2 years tenderly care for him during his journey with cancer. She always valued her family, friends and various social activities. In her later years she often spoke of missing the many that had passed before her.
An avid golfer, she hit the links as much as possible each summer, ignoring the discomfort of arthritis and a knee replacement. And she never missed sending annual hard-copy birthday cards to her family.
Her enthusiastic participation in the lives and activities of all of her family and friends will be missed.
Thanks to all of the great people at the Cancer Centre of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Our family graciously appreciates the responsiveness and professionalism of the Home and Community Care Support Service and all of the homecare nurses, PSW's, OT's, and PT's for their awesome work helping Ruth thrive and live independently. Special thanks to Dr. Ibrahim for his optimism and enthusiasm during her final journey. Last but not least our family warmly thanks the staff at St. Joseph's Care Group for their compassion and gentleness.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in the chapel of Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel - 21 North Court St, Thunder Bay. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
