Ruthanne Souter Cooke
August 14, 1926 – February 23, 2017
Ruthanne passed peacefully with family by her side. “Bubs”was born in Hamilton to
parents Dorothy Marie Chisholm Souter and Walter Alexander Souter.. She and her
siblings grew up as part of a close and boisterous group of Souter cousins. The
Chisholm cousins were also close and much fun was had by all during summers at
their beloved Red Lodge at Dwight on Lake of Bays. When Mum married a Georgian
Bay enthusiast they shared vacations between Dwight and Honey Harbour, which
she facetiously christened “Bug Haven”.
After graduating from Central Collegiate (Hamilton) and Ontario College of Art and
Design (furniture design), she began her career with A.M. Souter and Company as a
furniture designer. While raising her family she pursued an award winning career
in copper enameling and silversmithing. Ruthanne was also an accomplished
painter and photographer as well as designing their first home and the additions at
the “Taj” in Honey Harbour.
Over the years, Mum was involved in The Big Sisters Association, the Restoration of
Dundurn Castle, and The Artisans Guild of Hamilton as well as volunteering for
Henderson Hospital and Burlington Animal Aide. She actively supported arts & culture in the Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville area.
Predeceased by loving husband Rich (Richard W. Cooke), proud mother of Margaret
“Maggie” (Alan Hudak), Beth (Steve Hayes) and Richard (Pam), honorary brother
Edwin Tokarski (Melissa). Grandmother of Meghan ( Rob), Kirsten, Graeme,
Stephen, Alexander, Caitlin (Kevin), Victoria, Laura, Amanda, Andrew and Nicole(Jessie).
Great Grandmother of four. Survived by sister Carolyn Souter, predeceased by
brother Alistair Souter (Monta, deceased). Aunt and “Bubs” to many nieces,
nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday March 18, 2017, at The Royal
Botanical Gardens Headquarters, 680 Plains Road W, Burlington from 2pm to 6pm.