Ruth Whelan (nee Forward)
February 22, 1934 to May 20, 2026
Obituary
In Loving Memory of Ruth Forward Whelan
February 22, 1934 – May 20, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of Ruth Forward Whelan, who passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at the age of 92. Born in St. John’s on February 22, 1934, Ruth lived a life centered around family, hard work, loyalty, and unconditional love.
Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband, James Whelan, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories, partnership, and devotion. Together, they proudly owned and operated Whelan’s Store for 58 years. The store was more than a business; it was a gathering place filled with laughter, conversation, kindness, and community. Ruth and James spent countless days side by side there, welcoming regulars who often stopped in not only for what they needed, but simply for a visit and a chat.
Ruth was a dedicated wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love for her family knew no limits. She leaves behind her loving children: James Junior, Cynthia, Lana, Gloria, Gordon, and Nicole. She will be forever cherished by her grandchildren Candace, Jillian, Joel, Nickolas, Lauren, Hayley, Madison, Anakin, Jenna, Mason, Coady, and Gabriella, as well as her great-grandchildren Liam, Sadie, and Sai.
Ruth was known for always making sure everyone was fed no matter the time of day, nobody ever left her home hungry. She loved her Pepsi, apple flips, and keeping everyone in line, when necessary, even if it meant threatening to remove her slipper as a weapon of discipline. Her strength, humor, generosity, and fierce love will never be forgotten. If you needed something, Ruth was always there to lean on. Whether through support, advice, a meal, or simply her presence, she helped whenever and however she could. Her home and heart were always open.
A small ceremony for immediate family and close friends will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
Ruth’s legacy lives on through the family she adored, the community she helped build, and the countless memories shared around her table and inside Whelan’s Store. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
Schedule
Committal Service
2:00pm, Saturday May 30th
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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My sincere condolences to you all.
Mrs. Whelan was a huge part of my childhood. She had more patience with Nicole and I running around the store. Those were the best days of my childhood..
I spent almost everyday at their house or the store until I moved when I was 11.
I got to visit with her while my Nan was at St. Pats and I treasured my time with her.
Bless her heart. May she rest in peace.
Big hugs to you all!! xoxo
Karen Squires
My deepest condolences to the Whelan family. My best memories were going to Aunt Ruth’s with Dad(Sandy) to visit and get some goodies. Rest in peace Aunt Ruth.🙏
Jim ,my deepest condolences to you and all the family. Got a lot of fond memories of your mom and dad.
Condolences to all the family, all our family have great memories of both your mom & dad. Mom especially (Lillian Tucker) couldn’t drive down Thorburn Rd without stopping in for something or another on her way home. We’re all pretty sure she made up excuses to stop in for the sole purpose of having a grand chat with your mom.! And now the 2 of them ended up with Alzeheimers in their later years. What I remember most about your mom is the warm welcoming smile she always gave you. May she rest in Peace 🙏
Jim, Cynthia, Lana, and Gloria, our most heartfelt condolences on your Mom’s passing. As others have stated, I have many wonderful memories of her and your family store. She was the sweetest. Sending all of the family hugs and positive energy during this difficult time. Ah, the memories…
I did not read the obituary properly…I will be there on the 30th if that’s ok
To Gordon, Cynthia, Gloria, Lana ,and the entire family, we are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. From all the way out here on the west coast, Aunt Ruth will be so dearly missed. Every time I came home for a visit, I always made sure to pop by the store just to see her, she never failed to put a smile on my face. Thank you for sharing her with us. Sending all our love and condolences, from Clint and I. 💛
Our condolences to all of Ruth’s family.
Sincerely
Dave & Sylvia Hudson.
What a wonderful tribute to such a great lady! So sorry to all of the family. I have so many fond memories of aunt Ruth that I will cherish forever! Love to you 💔❤️
Sincerest condolences to the family. . Gosh, if I had a dollar for every trek that I made to Whelan’s Store as a kid, whether it was to get an after school treat, a new scribbler for school, a pack of smokes for mom and dad, or a few slices of bologna, chips or apple flip for dad.’s snack while he was working in the garage.
Ruth was always very kind and patient.
May your wonderful memories bring comfort in the days ahead.
Our deepest condolences to all of the Whalen’s family and friends of Ruth passing .
Jimmy, Cynthia, Lana, Gloria, Gordie and Nicole, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have many fond memories of visits to the store and sitting around the kitchen table having a few laughs. She was always warm, kind and welcoming. Her legacy lives on through you and your families.
Grandma was such a huge part of my life, especially when I was a child. I saw her every day, and I can still remember the feeling of her hugs. Watching her live with Alzheimer’s these past few years was hard, but the love never left.
Two days before she passed, I sat with her for a couple of hours holding her hand. She opened her eyes for a moment, and for a second I truly believe she knew me. I told her how much I loved her, and even though her words were faint, I like to think she was trying to say it back.
She may not have remembered me in these last years, but I always knew she loved me, and she knew how much I adored her. She was my favourite person. I like to think that when her time came, Pop was there waiting for her, taking her hand and guiding her with love.
Words can’t express the loss and sadness I feel. There wasn’t a day I didn’t think of her, and there won’t be a day I don’t.
Sometimes you don’t realize how good something is until it’s gone, thats how I felt but it’s better to remember the good parts of life instead of the bad. I remember when I used to go to see great grandma with my grandma, mom, and little brother. When we would go we brought smarties because she always liked those, we will all remember her, just because she’s not here doesn’t mean she won’t be in our hearts forever, love you great grandma.
Sending condolences to Lana and families on the passing of your mom, She is finally at rest , god bless her ! 💐💐🙏🏻🙏🏻
There are some people in life whose love shapes who you become, and for me, that was my grandma. She was such a huge part of my childhood and upbringing. I was at her house every single day after school, and if that wasn’t enough, I was there almost every Saturday and Sunday too. Some of my fondest memories are the simple things that meant everything a delicious cooked meal waiting for me every day after school (unless it was liver day…yuck), Days of Our Lives playing on the TV, and Grandma hiding chunks of apple flip in her Pepsi behind the counter so we wouldn’t drink it on her.
She was there through every stage of life and so many unforgettable memories. From Jill and I doing endless laps around the store on our bikes or skates depending on the season, to stealing my very first cigarette from her pack and nearly dying trying to smoke it in the woods. I’ll never forget late-night takeout meals during sleepovers, or the day Dad brought me to Grandma’s on the back of his motorcycle and she came flying out the side of the store yelling because she thought it was far too dangerous.
When I made the decision to move to Alberta 20 years ago, one of the hardest moments of my life was hugging Grandma goodbye. It absolutely broke my heart. And in true Grandma fashion, she told me not to worry about her and not to waste my money coming home to visit. But every trip back home after that made leaving her harder and harder.
One of the memories I will treasure most is watching her hold Liam for the first time, her very first great-grandchild. And every visit after that, the smile on her face when we walked through the door, amazed at how much bigger and taller he had become each time. I’m so thankful my son got to know who she was and understand how important she was in my life.
Grandma, thank you for the love, comfort, laughter, and memories that will stay with me forever. I love you so much. Now it’s your time to go relax and enjoy all the beautiful things that made you happy.
My sincere condolences to all of Ruth’s family. I hope her and mom are having a grand chat.
The Whalen and Forward families…just hearing about this now…certainly would have been there to celebrate her life! Spent many a times at the store talking about our upbringing, even though she was so much older than me, we could still relate! Not forgetting Mrs. Murrin, of course, more so after Jim passed away! I could go on and on and sorry I never did get to visit her at the home! Sending condolences to both families, especially Jimmy and the girls! Marilyn and Tom Johnson!
Selby and family – sorry to hear the news about your sister. May you have comfort in knowing that you have family and friends who share your sorrow.