Ruth Ann Saeman

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

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

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!

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.

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.