RUTH SHUSTER (nee BURSTYN) October 10, 1919 – July 29, 2016 Beloved wife, mother, sister and aunt, died peacefully on Friday, surrounded by her family. Topcha, as she was known to the Burston clan, was the heart, soul and glue and acknowledged matriarch of a large, blended family of siblings and their kids. Her loss is mourned by daughter, Rosalind (Rosie) and partner Richard Wechsler and son, Steve; siblings Ben Burston, Hermie and Saul Speers and Allan and Lucy Burston; sisters-in-law Merle Burston, Gerry Leder and Bernice Lipson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by husband, comedian Frank Shuster who remained madly in love with her for 60 years of marriage, parents, Kalman and Raizel, siblings, Harry, Elsie and Sam Rosen, Bill Lipson and sisters- in-law, Maggie Burston and Rose Kirsh. Ruth began her career making hats in Toronto’s East End. With her innate sense of style and infallible eye, she evolved into an inspired interior designer. A truly gifted artist, Ruth’s boundless creativity found many delightful channels in entertaining, cooking and baking, gardening and her distinctive sense of fashion to name a few. A force of nature and a “real character”, Ruth had an abundance of brains and beauty, wit, pluck and grit. She was a passionate collector of Canadian modern art and an avid reader who loved to travel, tell funny stories, was actively engaged in politics and supported humanitarian causes. The family is especially grateful for the exceptional devotion of Josh Burston, Carol Kirsh, Ben, Allan and Lucy Burston as well as Ruth’s “band of angels” – the careworkers, Ann, Michelle, Rechelle, Ava and Ada – all of whom enabled her to spend her last conscious moments at home as she wished. Funeral service at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 2nd at Benjamins Park Memorial Chapel, 2401 Steeles Avenue West. Private shiva. Should you wish to make a memorial donation, Ruth supported Ve’ahavta: