Obituary of Ruth Burchell

Mary Ruth Burchell

Glace Bay

It is with heavy hearts that we the family announce the passing of Mary Ruth Burchell (née Fraser) of Glace Bay. Daughter of James and Mary (Burns) Fraser, Ruth passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 2 ,2019.   

Ruth worked as a ward clerk at St. Joseph’s Hospital, later Glace Bay Community, for 30 years. To this day she is fondly remembered by countless patients, doctors, and especially the nurses who called her ‘Ma’. She enjoyed bowling, travelling, playing cards, dancing and laughing, and serving a hot cup of tea. Above all else, nothing put a smile on her face like spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Trudy Lang (Gerry), Debbie Jean (Pierre), and Mickey, and son Ean; sister Helen McCann (Art); brothers Wayne (Kay) and Cameron (Anna); grandchildren Marc Jean, André Jean, Monica Burchell (Nick), Stéphane Jean (Megan), Jordan Jurcina (Matthew), and Ceilidh Lang; great-grandchildren Destiny-Marie Burchell-DesLaurier, Alayah-Ruth Burchell-DesLaurier, and Benjamin Jurcina; godson Gil Boone; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Ernie Burchell; sister Anne Boone, brothers-in-law Gilbert Boone and Art McCann; aunt Clara McPhee. 

There will be no visitation. Memorial service will be held at T.J. Tracey’s Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay on  Saturday December 14, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., with Fr. Norman MacPhee presiding.  A reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Glace Bay Town House, where Ruth volunteered with Community Friends.  

Special thank you to the staff at Glace Bay General Hospital, Seaview Manor, and Dr. Michael Gallivan. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com