It is with great sadness that the Hamilton branch of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada shares the news of the passing of our late president, Ruth Nicholson, on March 7, 2025.
Ruth Anne Nicholson UE, passed away due to complications of influenza on March 7, 2025, at the age of 74 while wintering in Texas. Beloved wife of David Nicholson, devoted mother to Paul (Alicia), Jon, and Sarah, and cherished grandmother to Owen and Claire. She was predeceased by her parents, Edwin and Alta Hutchins (née Ferriss), and her sister, Mary Hutchins. She is survived by her sister, Susan Hutchins (Robert McCloskey), brother-in-law, Scott Wilkins and many extended family members.
Ruth was a proud farm girl, raised on a century farm in Essex County, Ontario. Ruth earned a degree in Art History from McMaster University, where she met David, and later completed her Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University. She and David married in 1975 at the Hutchins farm and later settled in Waterdown, where they raised their family.
Ruth deeply enjoyed her teaching career with the Halton District School Board for over 35 years, inspiring generations of children’s love of art. Her passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom—she led summer arts programs, taught early Canadian heritage, and, in retirement, had the joy of volunteer teaching alongside her daughter, Sarah and daughter-in-law, Alicia.
Ruth was a whirlwind of positive energy who contributed joyfully to her community. She served the United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada as a branch President and at the national level. She was a board member and Sunday School teacher at St. James United Church, supported Flamborough’s migrant worker outreach, and was recognized as a ‘Pandemic Hero’ for leading the ‘Mask Makers’ team in sewing facemasks. When a community need called to her heart, she never hesitated to roll up her sleeves.
A celebration of life will be held in Waterdown at a later date. The family would be grateful for any donations in Mom’s honour to a place she held dear, St. James United Church, via Canada Helps: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/waterdown-pastoral-charge-st-james-united-church/
— Hamilton Spectator, March 15, 2025
At Hamilton and Bicentennial Branches UELAC, Ruth received a Loyalist Certificate as a descendant of Henry Wright in 2011, of Jacob Amer in 1999, John Cornwall in 2004, and Joseph Ferris in 2002.
For the past 25+ years Ruth contributed tirelessly to the Hamilton Branch, leading many projects through to successful outcomes, from educational programming to branch leadership. I know she cherished her friendship and collaboration with each of you. — Catharine Bingle-Gonnsen UE, Co-President with Ruth Nicholson of Hamilton Branch UELAC
— Loyalist Trails, UELAC, March 16, 2025