Many were saddened by the recent passing, (in Brighton), of a well-known County resident, Ruby Young, at the age of 93.

Staff and volunteers of Hospice Prince Edward, especially in our earlier days, had benefitted from the generosity of this prolific artist.

From her home on Big Island to when she lived independently on Owen Street, Ruby captured the essence of many County buildings and street scenes in her pen and ink drawings. Her depictions of churches, edifices, homes and even sugar shacks were evocative and yet accurately detailed. Ruby was known for generously donating originals and prints to various institutions while keeping copies for her files.

Ruby‘s association with Hospice began when she offered all of her artwork to us with the hopes that it would raise funds. Given those rights, Hospice volunteers had the art digitized by The Print Practice and over 30 selected images – buildings and pets – made into blank greeting cards with extra full size copies for sale at about a dozen retailers and hotels around the County.

The printer, Graham Chapman, provided his services at minimal cost and we are forever indebted to his contribution. Ruby worked her magic from photographs we took of iconic buildings around the County – Crystal Palace, the Armoury, Library, Regent Theatre, interesting homes (and sugar shacks!) – to name a few.

Later in her life Ruby was creating her art in Publow house proudly revealing her latest black and white depictions of County structures (and pets) with her signature miniature mouse and date in a lower corner. Hospice PEC valued her contributions and enjoyed her presence at many of our local events. Ruby leaves a legacy of over 90 works of art that can still be admired and enjoyed.

Thankful that we had the pleasure of knowing her, we grieve the loss of a dear friend and benefactor.

Stuart Brown

On behalf of Hospice Prince Edward