Ruth Ann Saeman
July 16, 1931 - September 22, 2013
Obituary
SAEMAN RUTH ANN
MADISON-Ruth Ann Saeman, 82, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2013, the beloved wife of the late Derek Kersley; dear sister-in-law of Veronica (Ronny) Saeman; the loving aunt of Paul Saeman (Mary Wallace), Marian (John) Bleeke, Anne Saeman, Bobby Saeman, Richard (Peg) Saeman, Rita Librera and Ray (Barb) Saeman; cousin, great-aunt and friend to many. She was born on July 16, 1931, in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, to Francis and Catherine (Karch) Saeman. She was preceded in death by her three older brothers, Jerome, Robert and Francis Saeman and two sisters-in-law, Anita Saeman and Josephine Saeman.
Ruth attended the University of Wisconsin and received both a bachelor’s degree in English and a PhD in education. She taught reading and English in Madison and Elroy and then moved to Truro, Nova Scotia, where she was on the faculty of the Nova Scotia Teachers College from 1970 to 1991.
A favorite hobby of Ruth’s was knitting; she would usually have her latest project with her, and she provided sweaters, scarves and mittens for all her family and friends in just the right colors. She gave generously of her time, combining her love of knitting with her work as a volunteer at a palliative care program to provide knitted or crocheted lap robes for patients. She also helped tutor inmates at a women’s correctional facility.
Most of all, Ruth loved stories, books, words and jokes. She had a story or joke for most every occasion and passed on her love of books to her extended family.
The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of All Saints Memory Care in Madison for the loving care they have provided.
A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 28, 2013 with Father Thomas Kelley presiding. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. A luncheon will follow the Mass. Contributions can be made to the Colchester Regional Hospital Palliative Care Program (Truro), 600 Abernaki Road, Truro, Nova Scotia B2N5A1 or All Saints Assisted Living and Memory Care, 8210 Highview Drive,(Madison, WI 53719.
Gunderson Cross Plains Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church St.
608-798-3141
www.gundersonfh.com
Events
Photos
No photos of Ruth have been shared yet.
Memories
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Alexander (Sandy) MacDougall
Other •
I was a student at Nova Scotia Teachers College from 1982-85. Ruth was my professor for a few courses. I had great respect for her and learned many things from her - both formally and less formally, but no less important. One morning in her class one of my peers feel quite soundly asleep with his head on his arms on the table. By and by he moaned and shifted positions. Someone made a comment and moved to wake him and Dr. Saeman stopped them and said quietly "It's important to recognize what students need and provide it when possible. He is obviously tired and needs sleep. Don't wake him." That's one of the most important things I've ever learned about teaching and students and it was in no lesson plan.
We would often see Derek and Ruth walking hand in hand around the campus. I knew they hadn't been married for long and always thought they made such a lovely looking couple. Their love for each other seemed to glow just because they were in each others presence.
After I graduated I dropped by to visit Ruth at her home in Truro. Derek had passed away by then. She told me a funny story about bringing his ashes back to the US for burial and the unique exchange with a security or customs official who asked her what was in the box she was carrying. She explained to them that it was her late husband and his first wife! She got a great kick out of telling me that story.
She then invited me to join her for a bit as she was just going to watch her favorite movie, so I settled in and we watched, "The God's Must be Crazy." It was a great movie which Ruth appreciated for both its humour and its intelligence and insight. I'm glad I shared that evening with her and she shared her favorite movie with me.
I'm a better person and better teacher because I knew (Dr.) Ruth Saeman. My sympathies and prayers go out to all her family and friends.
Alexander (Sandy) MacDougall
Halifax, Nova Scotia
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Mary Christian
Other •
I met Ruth at All Saints, in the memory care unit when we moved my mother there in 2010. My sisters and I had already begun to learn that hand in hand with the sadness of dementia can be a new found humor and joy in the moment of living, if you keep one hand open to it. While we delighted in so many of the residents at All Saints, Ruth was especially fun because of her love of words and the twinkle in her eye. Even with dementia her wonderful intellect was obvious as she found ways to twist words and make fun with them. The day I met her, I realized that she was the third Ruth on that unit, and I exclaimed "Oh Dear, three Ruths, that could be problematic". She looked me in the eye and said, "Yes, but isn't it reassuring to know this place is not Ruthless....!". What a gal. She was a joy!
Mary Christian, and all the daughters of Maxine Sweeney
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Alison Marie Boucher
Other •
My good friend Ruth, until we meet again may you rest in peace.
Dr Saeman, my prof at NSTC she was a master of Education. we shared mass at the Immaculate church in Truro, went for breakfast and hung out. After Derek died she was in Salmon River, a fair walk to town so I made myself available to take Ruth Shopping and to pay her bills. One day I pulled up to the directed place on her list and she said, here take this bill in there and pay it because you have more energy than me. Well at the end of our tour she would ask me to take her to the ice cream shop and she would treat me. At the beginning of her experience with dimentia she would show up at my home looking for the previous owner Anna and luckily I was a friend and it was a safe place to walk in on me. Then Ruth started to move from place to place and one day she finally got moved back to Winsconsin. I spoke on the phone with her one time and she said she was now living in this place and she was the welcome person and enjoyed greeting the visitors. I lost contact and was wondering about Ruth last week and today I read her obit. She is my angel. Enjoy your journey in eternity my friend!
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Caroline
Other •
I'll always remember Christmas with Aunt Ruth, when she would treat my brother, sister, and me to a Barnes and Noble trip. At the store entrance, she would give each of us some cash, and we'd spend the next hour combing the shelves for the perfect book. And of course the best part was having her there to advise, or just to stroll with us through the store. It's hard to imagine a more ideal Christmas present for three kids that love reading just as much as she did.
JP
Jayn Pearson
Other •
Ruth was one of my NSTC profs. who after became a very good personal friend, staying in touch even after she returned to Wisconsin. She was full of spirit and compassion, gentle, kind and sassy. We shared a huge love for puns - Ruth always found the best ones and passed them on. I'll miss her. My deepest condolences to her family. Jayn Pearson, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Stephanie Wood (was Baltzer)
Other •
Ruth was my prof while I attended NSTC from 1982-85. She was an amazing teacher who touched the hearts of many with her example. I remember that every time I had a conversation with Ruth, I left with a new perspective. She was my practicum supervisor and one day, I felt the lesson was rather mundane as I followed the direction of my classroom teacher. After, I sat with Ruth, expecting the truth from her on my performance. She explained that she had kept track of each positive comment that I had made and each negative. OOOH, I thought, what did I say during that lesson? Ruth showed me the tallies and she had a long list of checkmarks under the positive column and nothing under the negative. She taught me the value of being positive that day...and that is what people remember in the grand scheme of things. I do remember, Ruth. And I won't forget you.
Stephanie