Ruth Fischer
August 8, 2018

FISHER, RUTH: née Krug, born in Chicago, IL, died on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 peacefully at her home in Weinberg Terrace with family and loved ones by her side. Ruth was an accomplished cellist and much loved teacher of her instrument. She blessed those around her with her delightful sense of humor, keen intellect, and her positive spirit. Her capacity to lead a joyful life despite the great suffering she endured was profoundly moving and inspiring to those who knew her. Ruth and her husband Dick were founding members of the Ramblers walking group, which grew exponentially over the years since its inception. Her love of nature was reflected here as well as in the beautiful gardens she tended so lovingly, and the delight she took in cut flowers when she was no longer able to do so. The Fischer family quartet, composed of Ruth, her husband, Dick (violinist and violist), and her daughters Janice (cellist) and Linda (violinist) performed classical chamber music around the country and the world. Their home was always filled with music, whether it be family members practicing, visiting musician friends playing, or recorded music on the record player. She was predeceased by her husband and two daughters. She is lovingly remembered by her nieces, Jacqueline Fischer of Woodstock, VT, and Jill Fischer of Lebanon, NH, and her four great nephews and niece. Services at Temple Sinai, 5505 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill on Sunday at 2 pm.  Family will receive friends at Weinberg Terrace, 5757 Bartlett Street, Squirrel Hill following services at Temple Sinai from 3:30 to 5 pm. Donations in her memory can be made to the Alex Kerr Violin Merit Award at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, P. O. Box 500, Bloomington, IN 47402. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

Condolences

I am sorry to hear the news of Ruth’s death. I hope it was an easy passing. She and I would go to the symphony and other musical events in recent years and I admired how she continued on with cheerfulness and warmth after Linda’s death. It was so hard to communicate with her recently and I am afraid we lost touch as a result. I will be away this weekend and deeply regret missing the opportunity to pay my respects. My condolences to her family who I know she deeply loved.

Ruth was a passionate, kind and wise soul who kept inspirationally positive throughout her life despite loosing those closest to her. I had the pleasure to know the Fischer family over many decades and especially her daughters Linda and Jan whom I had the privilege of many musical collaborations both in orchestra and in chamber music. Ruth herself was so talented a musician and so readily shared her gifts to so many. Rest In Peace.