Ruth Markowitz Obituary

When I last saw Ruth, about a week before she died, I had no expectation that I would still be able to communicate with her. To my surprise, she was ready to tackle any subject, pointing the dot on her nose to the computer keyboard, spelling out her end of the conversation. She even undertook writing "Louise V..." and would have struggled through the whole name, had I not blurted out, "Vosgersian!" I felt we shared a laugh over the effort she was spared, and it was worth the whole visit. That was Ruth--full of zest in the moment. I will miss seeing her shining face in audiences, a face that communicated her enormous enthusiasm for music and for life. She dealt with ALS with characteristic strength of character and I will always remember her courage and spirit.

Ruthie and her family moved to their home on Bernard St. in Chicago in 1951 or 1952 I lived across the street. We became instant friends and remained so throughout grammar school and much of high school. We both belonged to Temple Beth Israel. Because Ruthie went to Hebrew School, I told my parents that I (a girl!) wanted to go to Hebrew School. I enjoyed a career in Jewish Education for 35 years. Ruthie and I were together almost every day, 365 days a year. The last time I saw her, after so many years, was at her mother, Harriet's, funeral.

My husband and I were founders of the Les Turner ALS Foundation in Chicago. We know what a devastating disease ALS is.

I will always think of Ruthie Solomon and her family with the fondest of memories.

To Ruthie's family...I was so saddened by the news of Ruthie's passing. Before our reunion, she and I shared many emails and conversations...I was so happy to see her at the reunion...she had a wonderful time and was equally excited to see everyone as well. I hope you are comforted by the treasured memories you now have...I hope they sustain you through this very sad time. I am so happy I put this reunion together for it's moments like this that made it all worth while...I may never have seen her again and I will now remember her smiling face that weekend, forever. Carole Roth

We were lucky enough to live across the hall from Ruth at "CRT" for several years.When you stepped inside her beautiful home, it was welcoming, as she was. I remember when she renovated- she had special seating so that friends could play music together. On weekends, we might see her friends coming down the hall, instruments in hand, then hearing the beautiful melodies coming from Ruth's.She would ask if she was bothering anyone with the noise!

Paul (Frankian), Stephanie and I have a lot of happy memories, sitting at the pool with Ruth or just stopping to talk in our "CRT community" at any given moment. She was fun, caring and kind and a fantastic listener.

Our sincerest sympathies to you. Please know how much she meant to all of us.

Rurh had a zest for life and an unending enthusiasm for learning new things. I taught her cello--although she really taught herself. She would come to each lesson armed with questions, ways to fix problematic problems and possibilities for new repertoire. And she often came to my concerts to cheer me on. She will be sorely missed by the many, many people whose lives she touched.

Ruth's contributions to the Harvard Hillel community were many. Not the least of these were her radiant smile and her ability to share the pleasures of life (grandchildren! children! vacations! taking up 'cello!) in a manner that took in all listers.

We spent little time together, -- I would see her at Worship and Study services; still I have counted her among friends, for I have felt cheered on gloomy days merely by recollecting our most recent conversation.

Not so long ago I told Ruth that I would take up 'cello one day in my sixties. She was so encouraging I will play, in part, for the pleasure of extending the pleasure of her company.

May her family take comfort among those to whom she has given so much.

Ruth became part of our group when she started 5th grade at Chicago's Hibbard Grammar School with us, after moving to our neighborhood. We remained friends and visited periodically from Chicago after she moved away. We celebrated our birthdays together all through our childhoods/teens and again at 50, 55, 60, and 65. We shared a love for learning and the arts and Ruth stayed with my family during our 50th high school reunion last May. I have so many memories of goofy and wonderful childhood and teen shared experiences with her and our common group of friends. She was--and remains--a special friend.

Our sympathy to Ruth's family. We knew Ruth through the Viola da Gamba group of friends. God Bless.

Ruth's irrepressible spirit, zest for life, and genuineness touched me and inspired me. I shall always remember her. My thoughts and prayers are with Carol, Audrey, Paul and their families.

Dear Audrey, isaac, and baby Ricky,
we send our love and prayers to you at this very solemn and sad time. Please let us know if we can be of any help.
Your stories of your mom, especially when you were preparing your wedding, are very touching, and we express our sympathy deeply,
Barbara, Malcolm and Duncan Crystal

Mom was a courageous woman to the last. I will miss her forever. Thanks, Mom, for being such a great role model, for instilling in me a love of music and a thirst for knowledge, and just for loving me as much as you always did.

Ruth has been a friend and a crew member, on occasion, on our sailboat, Second Nature as a member of our club, Pelagic Sailing Club. She will be missed.

Ruth has always been a good friend to me, and being able to play music with her for so many years was a huge part of my life. I was glad I could give her some musical pleasure at the last.

Paul, Audrey, Carol, and your families, we are thinking of you.

Tracy, Curt, Henry and Fiona