Obituary of Sandra Johanna Rutenberg

  Sandra Johanna Rutenberg was born October 14, 1939 in Richmond Hill, Ontario, to Lilian Theresa Livie and Jacob Koning. She passed away peacefully in Kingston, Ontario on February 28, 2024 after a short illness. She married David Rutenberg in 1963; he predeceased her in 2014. She is survived by her brother Wayne (Fran), her two loving sons, Michael (Gloria) and Andrew (Lidija), and her four grandchildren (Lorena, Sebastian, Sara, and Katarina).

 

Sandra attended Victoria College at University of Toronto for English Literature and completed her degree at UC Berkeley while starting a family. She had a lifelong interest in families and family systems, and earned a PhD in Counsellor Education at the University of Pittsburgh. She taught briefly at Queen's University and ran a family therapy practice in Kingston.

 

Sandra enjoyed nature, researching family histories, reading interesting books, and being with her dog. With determination and a joy for life, she sang alto in two choirs, and was enthusiastic about her poetry, memoir, and book groups. She was nurtured by her house, garden, and cottage. She thrived in the company of friends, community, and family, and she made everyone welcome. We will miss her.

A service followed by a reception will be this Tuesday, March 5 at 10:30 am at The Spire (82 Sydenham St. in Kingston). In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Skeleton Park Arts Festival – which she relished – or to the Frontenac Heritage Foundation.