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Trevor Sweeney posted a condolence
Monday, August 7, 2017
Very sorry to hear of her passing.
My parents bought one of her paintings in Milwaukee about 40 years ago.
It is a treasured family heirloom that always brings me pleasure. The painting is like a window into an idyllic setting, Undisturbed. Comforting.
I am sorry for you loss, but know that she will live on for centuries through her work.
Sincerely.
s
susan@remain.com Posted Jul 9, 2021 at 2:45 PM
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Matt posted a condolence
Saturday, May 7, 2016
In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Harper Lee wrote: "You can choose your friends but you sure can't choose your family." I'm afraid this is not quite correct. I was lucky enough to be 'chosen' by Ruth Olenick as her 'step-grandson' when I was around 12 or 13. She swiftly and lovingly ensured the irrelevance of the hyphenation, embracing me merely as a grandson. In turn, she became my Grandma Ruthie almost immediately.
I remember the first time I met her and her late husband, my step-grandfather Earl. My dad and Susie brought my sister and me to visit them in Scottsdale, AZ for the holidays. I was stunned and intimidated by the prolific artistic talents of the household, from Grandpa Earl's sculptures and Ruthie's paintings, to the musical expertise of her son Jeff, his wife Amy, and their son Louis. But I remember their equally easy artistry in making my sister and I feel comfortable, accepted and welcome. Whether it was helping with the morning crossword puzzle, playing various board games, or gathering around the Palm tree that served as our Christmas tree/Hanukkah Bush, the Olenick house immediately began to feel like a grandparents' home.
After Grandpa Earl passed away, Grandma Ruthie moved to California. Whether by fate or design, she settled into a condominium only a few blocks away from my mothers' house in Simi Valley. The extended family circle solidified even further. We celebrated Hanukkahs, Passovers and birthdays at her house, which was sumptuously decorated with an accumulation of her long lifetime of artistic expertise. The walls were a Louvre of her vivid, lush paintings. Borrowing the words of Monet, Grandma Ruthie might have said she owed her paintings "to flowers," although I always felt there was a deeper subtext of mystery resonating in the floral shade of her works (but I am not an art critic). Her aesthetic vision corresponded to interior decorating as well. The result was an atmosphere that managed to simultaneously combine the grandeur of a fine arts museum with a cozy, comfortable home. She would often dog-sit for Gorby when my father and Susie were out of town, and I believe he developed his elegant and cultivated dog-personality at least in part due to her.
As time passed and we grew older, I would come over to her house to walk Gorby, which allowed me to see her very frequently. And, as I matured into a young adult (in theory) my own interests began to develop. Grandma Ruthie was more than generous in fostering them; she would often let me borrow her car for lengthy periods of time so I could meet up with friends. But she let me borrow something else, of far greater and long-lasting value: her brisket recipe. And in her later years, she went so far as to bequeath me with her collection of Dutch ovens to cook it with.
Others have noted that Ruthie successfully disproved another pessimistic saying in our culture; that great artists are only recognized after they've passed. Ruthie's works, however, drew great attention in the art world and have been recognized for the masterpieces that they are - some of them have even been translated into prints that adorn cell-phone cases, laptops, and various other items that have circulated far and wide (my girlfriend in New Hampshire proudly uses her Ruth Olenick iPhone case). I have no doubt that her paintings will continue to bring joy and be appreciated by future generations throughout the world that never got a chance to meet her. Personally, I can attest that her legendary brisket recipe, already judged as a masterpiece by friends of mine who I've cooked it for, will continue to be a prized family heirloom. And whenever I make it, I will tell the story of my Grandma Ruthie. Her impressive legacy will live on through her art and her food.
But I suspect that in the end, these talents - impressive as they are- will not be Ruthie's most profound impact on the lives of those who knew her. I will remember her most vividly, not as a painter or a cook, but as my Grandma. I will always recall her feisty wit and unpretentious elegance, her vibrant energy that matched her vibrant red hair, her indomitable spirit that never diminished with age; her endless empathy and her effortless generosity. I'll remember the little things, too, like the yearly ritual of eating Eggs Benedict at my mother's house Christmas, or the time my Grandma Gladys and her reminisced about Pearl Harbor during my birthday dinner in West LA. But most broadly, I'll always have the memory of a loving, open soul who took me into her heart as family from the first day she met me. And I will always be proud and honored to call myself her grandson.
I believe in a hereafter, that there's "a better home awaiting" in the words of the old spiritual. I don't know exactly what that world to come looks like, but I know that Ruthie does, now. And I think that Grandpa Earl and Gorby are there with her, and they'll be watching over us all through the rest of our lives, until the circle is unbroken (by and by). Until that hopefully distant time, I believe they will have plenty to occupy themselves with - Gorby chasing chickens through endless green meadows, Earl carving a pantheon of sculptures, and Grandma Ruthie sitting in the garden of paradise with her easel, brushes, and palette; perhaps sharing some wisdom with Renoir over Cosmopolitans.
Meanwhile, Grandma Ruthie, I will be missing you here. Thank you for the effortless love you showed my sister and me by taking us in as grandchildren. I will never forget that, and always be grateful. We were so lucky to have you.
I love you, Grandma Ruthie. Rest in peace until we meet again. ¡Hasta Siempre!
K
Karen posted a condolence
Saturday, April 23, 2016
We will all miss our Ruthie. Amazing artist, perfect brisket cook, fun spirit and maddeningly slow clothing shopper :) God bless until we meet again.
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Thursday, April 21, 2016
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Virginia Bofetiado posted a condolence
Thursday, April 21, 2016
No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. However, take comfort in knowing that Ruthie is now resting in the arms of our Lord. We have so much fond memories during the time I took care of her, she's so sweet and loving, fun to be with. The artistic hands that brought beauty to the world of arts, her painting are marvelous and awesome.
I send my condolences and sympathy wishes for the sudden demise of your Mom - Ruthie... I pray to the Lord to give you support during these difficult time and to give the departed soul eternal peace and strength to the family.
Love you so much.
Virgie
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Sharon Northe posted a condolence
Sunday, April 17, 2016
My sincere condolences to her lovely family at this time of great loss.
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Robin Bloom posted a condolence
Friday, April 15, 2016
I know how much beauty she brought into the world with her marvelous works of art and how full of energy and spirit she was. I am sorry for your loss, but know that you will have marvelous memories and stories to remind you of her and how much you loved her.
V
Val Watson posted a condolence
Thursday, April 14, 2016
I will always remember what a great cook she was, how I devoured all her food as if I had never eaten a meal in my life, and the affection she poured upon you, Sue (Susan) in high school--hugging, squeezing, kissing......while you pretended not to like it. I knew you did, and so did she. Don't think twice about that! You both enjoyed the game. You have been blessed.
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Ann Dean posted a condolence
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Dear Suzie and Jeff: I was so sorry to hear about your mother, our beloved Ruthie's passing. I loved her very much. She was my mother's best friend in all the world and a kind preceptress to me for all the important moments of my life. I remember so much when she and mom ( Jeanne Dean) came to visit me in New York and stayed at the Empire Hotel across from Lincoln Center...now it is a fancy hotel...back then it is where musicians stayed and the rooms weren't so much but they had so much fun in the city and brought such joy with them. As you know I own a lot of your mother's paintings...she gave me one of my favorites---hats-- as a wedding present but it was a bigger present when she came to the wedding! I also have one she painted of my mother's garden which means a great deal to me. So do the other 4 . When my dad was dying ,you Suzie and your mother made things a little more bearable with your love for him as we talked on the phone. She had an amazing life and was a charming, loving, talented and fascintating presence always. My sincere sympathies. I know how hard this is.
All my love to you and Jeff and your families as you go through this difficult time.
Love, Annie
who we are
Rose Family Funeral Home is a family owned and operated business. With kind, caring and capable staff, we take pride in the way we interact with our families and their loved ones. Rest easy knowing that at Rose Family Funeral Home, you'll be treated just like family.
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