Ruth McCormick Lazenby

1931-2026

Ruth (Finlay) McCormick Lazenby Ruth passed away quietly on October 3, 2026 at the Valleyview Home surrounded by family. Ruth was born 26 January 1931 to William and Lucy Lithgow (Geddes) Finlay in Partick, Glasgow, Scotland. Her early life was heavily influenced by the hardships of WWII as her shipyard neighborhood was a primary target during the Blitz. She often recalled the buzz bombs, missiles, devastation and her evacuation to Wanlockhead. Ruth and her family survived and she married James Hattrick McCormick in 1949. The couple subsequently emigrated to London, Ontario and began their own family before moving to St. Thomas where they started the Highland Lodge Nursing Home.

Ruth was an avid reader and loved her mystery novels, often completing a book in less than a day. She also liked boating and camping having spent many a day on Long Point Bay and in the northern woods. Another hobby involved aviation and she had her pilot’s licence. An oft-told story was of being pulled over for speeding and the policeman saying, “OK lady let’s see your pilot’s licence”. She produced the requested document and the good-natured officer sent her on her way with a warning. She was also an exceptional baker and the holidays were filled with a vast assortment of baked goods including her trademark shortbread cookies.

Ruth is survived by her 6 children – David (Sharon), William (Lynda), Susan Chilcott (Danny), James (Diane), Ruth-Anne, and Catherine (Allan) Vaillancourt. There are also 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by four step-children, John, Nancy, and Sandra. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, James Hattrick McCormick (1970), husband John Lazenby (1985), a step-daughter Pamela and her dear granddaughter Sarah Maureen McEown (2023).

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Valleyview Home, 350 Burwell Road, St. Thomas. Arrangements entrusted to Simplicity Cremation 750 Talbot Street, Suite #203 St. Thomas N5P 1E2 (226-210-1086). If desired, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Share a memory at www.simplicity-cremation.ca