Ruth Wahlstrom Obituary

Shaw and Stratford will never be the same without Ruth. So fortunate to have met her at NOTL many years ago and to have memories of many performances, meals, witticisms, and yes, wine. Sympathy to her family, loved ones, and friends.

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

Her memory shall be for a blessing.

In a long line of absolutely wonderful teachers and professors, Dr. Wahlstrom was my favorite. Heidelberg Class of 1983. I am grateful for everything she taught me and I can hear her laugh, yet. My sincere condolences.

I first met Dr. Wahlstrom in the fall of 1992 when I was a freshman at Heidelberg. I'd just started working at Beeghly Library on the Heidelberg campus. I was at the main desk with Mrs. Brandt when Dr. Wahlstrom came up. Mrs. Brandt introduced me and then got a "Hagar the Horrible" book from the reserved books at the main desk and gave it to Dr. Wahlstrom, telling me that she owned the book.

So sometime after that, I was again at the main desk when Dr. Wahlstrom came in and came up to the main desk. She said, "You probably know what I want." I just said the first thing that came to mind and said, "That book." Mrs. Brandt, who was nearby, just started laughing. Dr. Wahlstrom stared at me, trying to keep from laughing herself. She then said, "The 'Hagar the Horrible' book? You've got a good memory!"

I graduated from Heidelberg in 1996 and didn't see Dr. Wahlstrom again until 2021 when I was at Heidelberg for my class's 25-year reunion. I was on Greenfield street waiting for the start of the parade of classes when she came walking past. We hadn't seen each other in 25 years, but she remembered me, and we talked for a few minutes about how we'd been doing before she went on to see others who were there.

I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to her family and friends.

It was my privilege and pleasure to have Dr. Wahlstrom as my professor at Heidelberg. Her lectures were lively. Outside of the classroom, she had a great sense of humor. She was an awesome person. I will miss her immensely but will carry the memories of her wit, wisdom and kindness with me.