I worked for Herbie, thats how I met Ruthie and the family. She loved my cheese cake. She was having an event at her house and wanted the recipe. Next day at work Herbie says the cheesecake tasted nothing like yours. Called Ruthie she read me the recipe and I told her I am so sorry I forgot to tell you sugar. She had an infectious laugh and boy did we laugh, I can just hear her now.

I joined my mother in cleaning Ruth’s house around 1995, this was my first job as a teenager. I think of Ruth often. I remember her joy, her tenacity, and her kindness. She influenced my stubbornness and my curiosity. I’m sure she didn’t think of me much, but I thought of her at every milestone in my life and will continue to do so.