Poem in Remembrance of Ruth Peterson

A memorial Meeting for Worship for Ruth Peterson was held at Abington Monthly Meeting on May 30^th. Ruth was a beloved member of Abington Meeting and for all the members and attenders of the Monthly Meetings of Abington Quarterly Meeting and beyond. She died peacefully on January 31, 2026 at her home in Pennswood Village.  

The remembrances and celebrations of Ruth’s life lifted up during the memorial meeting illustrated how she mentored members and attenders of our Quarter's Monthly Meetings. Ruth and Charlie’s love for one another set a high bar for those of us just coming into love and marriage and the challenges that come in the years following. Their commitment to peace and justice stood on the firm foundation of the experience of injustice and war. While engaged in all the activities and responsibilities of her home Meeting (Abington) and in the Quarterly and Yearly Meeting she never lost sight of what was most important – being in loving relationships with everyone she met. Ruth entered conversations with a hug (Vitamin T or H) and then the question” What’s important to you?” She really wanted to know how your life was unfolding, good or bad. She was there with understanding, love and when needed a wee bit of wisdom.

The poem below was written by Kathleen (Katie) Maher, expressing the loving connection Ruth nurtured with her and indeed with all of us who had the privilege of blending our lives with hers. She will continue to guide and nudge our lives.
 
The Open Door, an ode to Ruth
 
The years passed by in seasons, long and wide, 
And often from the quiet bench I’d stray, 
Far from the silence where the Friends abide, 
Caught in the rushing currents of the day.
 
Yet time and distance never changed her grace, 
No judgment lingered in her gentle eyes. 
Whenever I returned to seek that place, 
Beneath the stillness of the meeting skies,
 
She met me at the threshold with a smile, 
An open heart, two arms to hold me fast. 
As if I’d only been gone for a while, 
As if no drifting years had ever passed.
 
"Vitamin T," she’d say with knowing grace— 
Her sweet prescription for a weary soul. 
A steady hand, a warm and true embrace, 
The gift of Vitamin Touch to make us whole.
 
She knew the Light within us does not fade, 
Though we may wander down a different track. 
In love’s enduring patience, she was made 
The quiet home that always calls us back.
 
Now she has entered into deeper peace, 
Her faithful witness shining, clear and true. 
Though holding her in life must now surcease, 
The warmth she gave remains in all we do.

by Kathleen (Katie) Maher