Obituary of Ruth A. Bourne

Ruth Augusta Shepherd was born on May 28th 1927 to Geraldine and Arthur Shepherd in The Baylands -The Garrison, St. Michael, Barbados West Indies. Mum was the fifth of ten children, six boys and four girls. Raised by her Aunt Emily(her mother's sister) Mum even at an early age had a strong sense of determination and was always the one to complete the task at hand. Mum attended St. Lawrence Elementary Girls School. Early every morning before school Mum would walk barefoot quite a few miles to fetch water from the local stand pipe (well) with buckets in hand and one on her head. This would provide water for the household for drinking, bathing and cooking. After tending to the family animals,chickens, goats and cows Mum would prepare herself and the other children for school. Good grooming has always been part of Mums criteria. A clean smart presentation was always of the utmost importance to her, not only for herself but for her siblings and cousins too. Mum was extremely nurturing, caring, popular and loved by everyone around her. At age 14 Mum started working at her Aunts shop, (also before school), making maubi and ginger beer and cooking fish cakes to make enough money to send her baby sister Yvonne to school. A devout christian Mum attended two churches The Christian Mission Church and The Pilgrim Holiness church later becoming a sunday school teacher at both churches. During this time a dashing young fellow would often get caught peaking through the church windows admiring Ms. Ruth. Ms. Ruth not interested would ignore this fellow and pay him no attention at all. However he was patient and persistent and would not give up. Mr. Calvin Bourne would later become her husband of fifty five years. In 1956 Mum migrated to England to pursue a career in nursing followed closely by Mr. Calvin they wed shortly after and had two children. A cantankerous miserable child Gillian Patricia and their greatest accomplishment of all Charmaine Vanessa. Always ambitious and looking for opportunities in 1979 Ruth and Calvin moved the family from Middlesex, England to Roosevelt, New York. Ruth continued her nursing career and also worked as a home health aide. She was extremely hard working, helpful, skilled and took great pride in her work. Ruth was a talented seamstress, excellent cook and as mentioned a tremendous caretaker of all. Mum was truly God Given. Dad was President Obama, Mum was Michelle "The Quiet Storm" behind the throne. Dad always had positive plans and together he and Mum achieved them with Mum quietly executing said plans behind the scenes. In 1984 the Real Pride (and sometimes) Joy of their life was born. Rashaune Devon Miller. He was definitely the apple of her eye the son she always wanted. Rashaune was her whole world. Mum always had two or three jobs (the west indian way) all the while caring for her family and many others. Multitask was her middle name. A talented seamstress, Mum hand made all sorts of clothing resulting in Charmaine asking the question one day at age five "you gonna make me shoes too?" lol Mum was the greatest cook delicious meals in minutes, cou cou and flying fish (Dads favourite),peas and rice and fried pork, shepherds pie, pudding and souse the list is endless. Retirement came prematurely for Mum due to painful arthritis. They decided to retire to Orlando Florida in 1989. Dad continued working. Mum once again became active in the Methodist Church of the Nazarene and continued to be the wonderful caregiver by making a beautiful warm home for the many many visitors that would pass through, while doing an excellent job raising her grandchild. In 2007 not long after Mums incredible 80th birthday she moved back to New York to live with her daughters because of the very harsh and debilitating Alzheimers Disease. Mum was truly amazing a fierce fighter (Calvin can attest to that). Never complained, was no nonsense, get it done and move on to the next task. Mum was Brave, Loyal, Honest, Wise, Prudent, Beautiful, Witty, Very Strong, Very Smart and absolutely lived her life on her own terms. Mum Loved the Lord. Walked the talk and had the ability to make anyone feel important. When you asked her how she was doing her favourite response was "NOT LIKE YOU". As our Aunt Yvonne said Mum was GOD given, a treasure to all who knew her. We know she is in heaven organizing and continuing her multitasking making cou cou and flying fish for all the marvelous souls who have preceded us. We Thank You Mum/Gran-Gran by emulating YOUR BRILLIANT EXAMPLE. We will continue to make you proud. You sacrificed so much for so many. YOU truly deserve to REST PEACEFULLY IN HIS KINGDOM. JOY, PEACE AND VICTORY = MRS RUTH BOURNE. Survived by her daughters Gillian and Charmaine, grandson Rashaune. Sisters Sylvia Joseph and Yvonne Hill. A whole host of nieces and nephews and numerous friends and extended families. Mr.Dejuan Smith and Diesel her adopted sons! You will be missed Job well done.