Ruth Goldbloom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruth Goldbloom
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Ruth Goldbloom in Sydney, Nova Scotia, February 1990
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| Born | December 5, 1923 New Waterford, Nova Scotia
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| Died | August 29, 2012 (aged 88) Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
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| Occupation | Philanthropist/Administrator |
| Known for | Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 |
| Spouse(s) | Dr. Richard Goldbloom |
| Children | Dr. Alan Goldbloom, Dr. David Goldbloom, Ms. Barbara Goldbloom Hughes |
| Parent(s) | Abraham and Rose Schwartz (née Claener) |
Ruth Miriam Goldbloom (born Schwartz, December 5, 1923 – August 29, 2012) was a Canadian who loved to help others. She was a philanthropist, which means she gave her time and money to good causes. Ruth helped start the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This museum tells the stories of immigrants who came to Canada.
Ruth was born and grew up in New Waterford, Nova Scotia. Her parents were immigrants, and their experiences deeply influenced her. She became the first Jewish person to lead the board of Mount Saint Vincent University. At that time, it was a Catholic university for women. She also led fundraising for the United Way in Halifax. For her amazing charity work, she was given the Order of Canada.
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Early Life and Education
Ruth Miriam Schwartz was born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, on Cape Breton Island. Her grandparents and parents moved to Canada from the Russian Empire. Their journey and new life in Canada shaped Ruth's views throughout her life.
She went to two universities: Mount Allison University and McGill University. At McGill, she met Richard Goldbloom. They got married in 1946. In 1967, Ruth, Richard, and their children moved from Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Helping Her Community
When Ruth Goldbloom moved to Halifax in 1967, she quickly became involved in her new community. She was a fundraising leader for the Izaak Walton Killam Children's Hospital. Her husband, Richard, was the chief doctor there.
Ruth also raised money for Mount Saint Vincent University. In the 1980s, she became the first Jewish person to lead the university's board. In 1989, she was the first woman to lead the annual fundraising drive for the Halifax United Way. She also served as the Chancellor for the Technical University of Nova Scotia. Later, she helped raise money for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Ruth and her husband also supported the arts, helping groups like Symphony Nova Scotia.
Creating Pier 21 Museum
Ruth Goldbloom was a key leader for the Pier 21 Society. This group worked to create the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. She led the huge effort to raise $16 million to build the new museum. The museum officially opened in 1999.
Pier 21 was once a busy place where many immigrants arrived in Canada by ship. It operated as an entry point from 1928 to 1971. In 2009, the museum was named a national museum. Ruth was there when the Prime Minister made this announcement. She had always dreamed of Pier 21 becoming a national museum about immigration.
Awards and Recognition
Ruth Goldbloom received many awards for her dedication and hard work. In 1992, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This was for her fundraising efforts at the Halifax United Way and Mount Saint Vincent University.
In 2000, she was promoted to an Officer of the Order of Canada. This higher honor recognized her work at Pier 21 and as Chancellor of the Technical University of Nova Scotia. In 2008, she received the Order of Nova Scotia. This award was for her volunteer work in social, religious, and heritage groups in her home province.
She also received seven honorary doctorate degrees from various universities. These included Dalhousie University and Mount Saint Vincent University. She also earned many awards from Jewish organizations and other community groups.
Personal Life
Ruth Goldbloom passed away from cancer on August 29, 2012. She was 88 years old. She was survived by her husband, Dr. Richard Goldbloom, their three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
A large public funeral was held near Pier 21. Many important people attended, including the premier of Nova Scotia, Darrell Dexter, and the Lt. Governor John James Grant.
Images for kids
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Ruth Goldbloom in Sydney, Nova Scotia, February 1990
