Memories of Ruthie

Ruthie was the second daughter of “Amazing Grace” born after my mother, Flo. She was attractive but never married despite having many young men chase after her. Too bad. She would have made a caring wife and mother.

I always look upon Ruthie as my mother’s seventh child. She was very attached and dependent on my mother for her well being. My mother got her a job at Muller and Phipps, the firm in which my mother became the chief secretary of the CEO. Ruthie retired as Secretary to the Chief of Marketing at the same firm. Her attention to detail made her well appreciated.

She accompanied my mother on her first visit to USA and met and fell in love with our two-year old Rohan in Bayside. Queens, NY. We have memories of her lying on the floor with Rohan standing on top of her to reach the dresser.

She returned a few years later to care for Rohan and our new-born Kirin when we were in Mahwah, NJ. Leonie and I will be eternally grateful for her for the love she showered on our young sons, embracing them as a grand-parent, and the love was reciprocated.

We were spoiled with her extraordinary Mangalorean cooking — which was her passion. For us it was home food of our childhood! She loved being part of our family and sightseeing in New York and New Jersey. She delighted in the concerts — especially. the famous Neil Diamond concert at Madison Square garden with five-year old Rohan who was ecstatic to see his idol perform. She was so amused that he brought his guitar in case Neil Diamond invited him on stage!

Whenever I came to Madras en route to teach the Executive MBA Program in Singapore I always stayed with her. We had a bond from her time with us. I enjoyed her beautiful apartment, across the street from Christopher & Margaret, where I could enjoy smoking my cigars every morning on her spacious terrace surrounded by luxuriant trees while I read the newspaper. She was so thoughtful breakfasts of dosas, idli and delicious favorite meals by her Thangamani.

As she got older and unable to take care of herself, I urged her to move into the Home for the Aged where her brother and sister spent their final days. I am glad she agreed to do so which ultimately resulted in her spending her final days there. I wll always remember her with fondness, after what she did for my two boys who remember her for the love and attention she showered on them. May her soul rest in peace.

Your loving Nephew, Mark