Ruth Audrey Nielsen

In Loving Memory

January 29, 1938 – June 16, 2026

Ruth Nielsen

Ruth A. Nielsen, 88, of Seattle, Washington passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026 with her son and daughter at her bedside.

Born January 29, 1938, on a farm in Ravenna Township, Michigan, to the late Alfred and Frances Young, Ruth spent her early career as a legal secretary and transcriptionist.  Later, she channeled her love for nature and gardening into a business growing vibrant flowers and crafting.  She also sold her creations at local markets, including Pike’s Place Market.

Ruth had a deeply generous spirit and an extraordinary talent for sewing and knitting.  If anyone needed something made, mended or crafted, Ruth was always there with a solution and willingness to help and a passion to teach others her talents.  During the Covid pandemic, Ruth took to sewing hundreds of masks for the residents in her senior living complex.  She also sent masks across the country to anyone in need.  Over the years, she devoted countless hours to volunteer organizations, including hand-knitting hundreds of hats, blankets and mittens for Alaskan Native groups and the homeless.

Ruth’s compassion for those in need extended to people and animals alike.  Ruth would bring rescue pets from local humane societies to visit nursing home residents, bringing warmth, comfort and big smiles to everyone she met.   She also never hesitated to care for an animal when residents in her senior apartment community needed support.

Beyond her artist talents, Ruth lived an active and vibrant life.  She was an amazing cook, and most holiday dinners included her rolls and pies, as well as other cherished family dishes.  She was also an accomplished French horn player, and took great joy in being outdoors, whether competing on the tennis court or carving turns on the ski slope, even into her early 80’s!

She spent the last 12 years as a beloved resident of the Interurban Senior Living Apartments, where she was always looking out for her neighbors.  Whether helping co-residents with daily tasks, pet-sitting for friends, or organizing and calling weekly bingo games, Ruth was a vital and cherished part of her community and was loved by many.  Her presence in the community will be greatly missed.

Ruth is survived by her sons, Paul (Joyce) Bruecher, Kevin (Barbara) Bruecher, daughters Ellen (Kevin) Comeaux, Eileen (Daniel) Burke; and grandchildren Justin, Calvin, Trevor, and Natalie Bruecher, Riley Comeaux, and Amanda (Paul Rhee) Burke, Shannon (Dylan) Burke Stenvik, and Conor Burke.  She is also survived by her siblings Maurice (Barbara) Young, Martha (Tom) Marx, and Frances (Mike) Hansen and many dear nieces, nephews, and friends.