Ruth Tannenwald

Ruth Tannenwald, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born in Ontario, Canada to Abraham Freedman and Leah Freedman (née Smith), Ruth lived a life defined by devotion to family, compassion for others, intellectual curiosity, and personal warmth.

Ruth was a longtime Chicago resident for more than 50 years before spending her final 20 years in San Diego, where she enjoyed the sunshine, swimming, and time with loved ones.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Kurt Tannenwald, with whom she shared 42 years of marriage.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Leah Tannenwald Cohen, and her husband, Robert Cohen; her grandchildren, Max Cohen and his wife, Emily, and Sam Cohen; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Leo and Grayson Cohen. She is also survived by her son, Peter Tannenwald, and his wife, Felice Bernstein, and her grandchildren, Skylar and Kira Tannenwald.

Ruth earned her Diploma of Nursing from the Montreal Jewish General Hospital and worked for many years as an Occupational Health Nurse, caring for others with professionalism, kindness, and dedication.

Family was at the center of Ruth’s life. She treasured spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and especially enjoyed the many family vacations and annual visits to Canada that became treasured traditions. She loved swimming, playing Mahjong, and following and discussing current events with enthusiasm and insight well into her later years.

Ruth will be remembered for her warmth, intelligence, resilience, and unwavering love for her family. Her presence enriched the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to be a blessing to those she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington.