Ruby Imogene Clarke

“I came all the way from England to work as an RN in Canada. I loved being a nurse as it gave me a chance to care for others. It also gave me so much joy to cook for family and friends.”

-Ruby Clarke

A woman of skill and compassion, confidence and strength, trust and steadfast faith, Ruby Clarke lit up the world and enhanced the lives of many. She lived to be an astonishing 100 years old.

Ruby Imogene Clarke was born and raised in Port Antonio, Jamaica and she grew up in in the household of Stanley and Vera Orgill, thus growing up like the twin sister of Winnie and ‘sister-cousin’ of Vincent, Mavis, Eulith, Eric, and Norma. She also had two younger sisters named Lou and Hilda.

Around the age of four, Ruby and two of her sibling-cousins moved to Buff Bay where they lived with their Aunt Maud, a strong influence in their lives. They later attended Titchfield High School in Port Antonio and then Ruby attended the University of the West Indies Nursing Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica. Afterwards, she worked as a nurse in London, UK before moving to Ontario, Canada where she continued her successful career. After retirement, she moved to Kingston, Jamaica for a short while, before returning to Canada, which became her home base for the decades that followed. Ruby led a happy and successful life that was enriched by her faith in God and her involvement in her church, spending time with good friends and family, and her joy in feeding and caring for others. 

Ruby always had a great sense of humor, often entertaining others with her stories. She was fun, quick-witted, determined and practical, yet kind and generous. Always an excellent hostess, Ruby enjoyed cooking and baking for friends and loved ones. She baked incredible Christmas cakes and puddings, buns at Easter, and other delicious delicacies throughout the year. From pickled peppers to exquisite baked fish and delicious soups, everything Ruby cooked was expertly made.

Although she did not have children of her own, she was a beloved sister, cousin, aunt, and godmother to those in the Orgill, Shackleford, Francis, Bragg, and Lee families.

Ruby Imogene Clarke was a very special person. She was beloved by family and friends, highly respected and appreciated by her colleagues, and dear to most of her acquaintances. She is loved and will be greatly missed.