Sidney, BC - Christensen, Ruth Marion

March 24, 1928 - April 21, 2026

With heavy hearts, we sadly announce the passing of our beloved Ruth on the 21st of April 2026, at the age of 98. To us she was "Nana" - the heart of our family - and her loss is felt more deeply than words can express. Ruth was the cherished daughter of Arthur and Eleanor Cox. She is now reunited with the love of her life, her husband Otto (who preferred "Chris" or "Papa"), her dear son John, and her siblings Douglas (Gloria), Rosalie (Ted), George (Marie), and Virginia (Tom).

Nana leaves behind a family who adored her: her children Judy (Garry), Doug (Caroline), David (Barb), and Carla (Randy); her grandchildren Laura (Hoang), Fiona (Kevin), Lindsay (Seb), Carl (Jorden), Lee (Tara), Sarah (Nick), Daniel (Hayley), Justin (Kayla), and Charles; and her great-grandchildren, Violet and Victor.

Ruth's large family was the joy of her life. She showered everyone with love and affection. Nana was a gentle, charming woman with a radiant smile that lit up her face. She brightened our world. A true Maritimer who loved to laugh and make everyone feel at home, she was always ready with a kind word, a hug, a funny story or a clever saying. Her quick wit, youthful personality and cheerful outlook on life will be fondly remembered.

Nana loved nature, gardening and especially flowers. She had a keen eye for the everyday beauty that surrounds us, missed by many. A champion golfer in her younger years, she was also a great cook, whose recipes are legendary. Nana filled our lives with love and happiness while hosting countless family gatherings, which meant everything to her. So many of our fondest memories are of dinners in the enchanted sunroom that Papa built: evenings filled with laughter, stories and love.

Nana was selfless and modest, always putting others first. She taught us to be kind and accepting and to never take life too seriously. Incredibly gracious, Nana shared a delightful sense of humour with that sweet, endearing voice of hers. Her absence leaves an immeasurable void, but we are thankful for many decades of wonderful memories.

A beautiful soul, Ruth will be profoundly missed by her family but the memory of her loving and playful spirit will live on forever in our hearts. Our family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital Long Term Care. In Ruth's honour, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.