Yesterday a bright light was taken from us.
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear friend and supporter, Ruth Anderson, at the vivacious age of 104. Ruth passed away Thursday, March 23 at the Arlington here in Naples.
May Hashem bring comfort and peace to Karen, her only daughter, and may her Neshama have an Aliyah of all the good and blessings she brought to this world. Already I do miss her and her signature smile.
Ruth was one of the very first people Ettie and I met when we arrived in Naples. She was always smiling and cheerful, optimistic, positive, energetic, clever, and possessed a great sense of humor. She was also very opinionated and politically knowledgeable and active.
From our very first meeting, Ruth's trademark vitality, joie de vivre, and energy were always evident and will be sorely missed.
In latter days as she recovered from an injury, we supplied her with Flying Challahs and other treats to help elevate her indomitable spirit. Hearing she was fond of soup, one Friday we sent some to her. "What, no challah?" she asked. A typical 'Ruthism'.
Ruth would tell me “every night I send an email to God, to thank Him for a good day, and ask him for another good day, and it happens!”
Her kindness was legendary. She became the Arlington poster child, not merely for her longevity, but for her ability to reach out, make friends, and help others. If someone needed repairs to clothing, they sought Ruth.
At the beginning of Covid, she took it upon herself to use her collection of fabrics to make masks for everyone.
According to Judaism, more than living a long life, is the life that we put into our years. Ruth embodied both long years, and years of life.
A steadfast Partner and supporter of Chabad of Naples, Ruth lived with the truth that it is that which we give that we truly own forever.
There is so much more to say to do her justice, but for now we say simply that a very bright light has been lost.
The memories of her warmth and humanity, her generosity and wisdom, are a small part of the blessings she leaves behind. We are truly humbled to have shared these past twenty years with Ruth Anderson.
This Shabbat, as we honor her Neshamah, let us keep Ruth in our hearts and minds as we celebrate shabbat and enjoy our challah and shabbat meal. Memories of Ruth Anderson are indeed a blessing.
Let's do our part to bring more light in her absence. Tomorrow, in her Chabad Naples Shul, I will accept an Aliyah in her honor and will be praying for the swift and easy passage of her beautiful soul into the next world.
We express our deepest condolences to Karen, her family, friends, and her extended community.