Aylmer’s beloved Joy Ruttan passes at age of 85

Sophie Demers

 

On March 13, Joy Ruttan passed away at the age of 85 with her son Christopher at her side. She was a loving mother to her three children Christopher, Catherine, and Cindy and a doting grandmother to her three grandchildren. She is survived by two brothers and four sisters. 

Joy, also known as "Jammy Joy" for her famous jams, was an active community member who has left a mark of kindness, community building, and friendship in the Aylmer community.
Joy came to Aylmer in 1975 so that her children could continue their education in French. She was instrumental in creating a non-profit daycare facility with the women’s centre in Aylmer at the time. The daycare then became the Montessori school. Joy was one of the first staff members and she taught pre-school there for many years.
Her daughter Catherine said her mother loved the Montreal Expos baseball team. She would bring one of her colleagues at the Montessori with her for their Opening Day in April every year. This is part of the reason that there was a Professional Development (PD) Day in April at the Montessori.
She was also an active volunteer at the Aylmer United Church, involved in the United Church Women, church suppers, yard sales and teaching Sunday School. Catherine told the Bulletin that Joy’s passion for volunteering and helping others came from a quote she connected with. Service is the rent that we pay for our time on Earth.
Until last fall, Joy was an esteemed long-time member of St. Mark’s Conference of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, an organisation that provides assistance to those in need. She was very active in their Feed-a-Child program that helps families pay for school lunches for their children. Conference members hosted a dinner in her honour to thank her for her excellent service.
Her nickname “Jammy Joy” came from the well-known jams, marmalades and jellies she made. She generously donated these to fundraisers for the Centre Alimentaire Aylmer/Aylmer Food Centre and the Aylmer United Church.
“Joy was a mainstay of our Aylmer United Church congregation for many years, taking on many roles and seldom missing a church service - even joining by Zoom when travelling by train or visiting family,” said Ellen, a colleague from the church.
Joy also worked at the Aylmer Bulletin for a while as a proofreader. She will be remembered fondly by the team at the Bulletin, her friends and colleagues, and the Aylmer community.
Photo: Provided by the Joy Ruttan’s Family