Ruth Feldman

January 7, 1929 - September 8, 2024

Ruth Smith Feldman, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away in Voorhees, NJ on September 8, 2024.

Ruth was born on January 7, 1929, in Philadelphia, PA, the oldest child of Lena Rubenstein Smith and Benjamin Smith. Throughout her school years, Ruth was a strong student and an avid reader. Despite the hardship of the Depression, her childhood was filled with family get-togethers including Cousins Clubs, picnicking, and even overnights at a nearby lake.

After graduating from Simon Gratz High School, Ruth went to work at Raymond Rosen & Co. on Walnut Street in West Philadelphia.

Ruth was introduced to Edward Feldman on a blind date in 1950 and Ruth said she knew he was the one the first time they met - and by the second date they affirmed it. In 1951, Ruth and Ed married and resided in Merchantville, NJ. They had four children: Richard Joseph in 1953, Bruce Frank in 1956, Beth Marjorie in 1959, and Marcia Hope in 1962.

In the early years of what would be a 73-year marriage, Ruth and Ed joined Congregation Beth Jacob where they became active members of the community for many years. Ruth joined Sisterhood and engaged in many synagogue and volunteer activities. They moved to Cherry Hill where they raised their children, eventually moving to Voorhees where they resided the past 30 years.

Ruth and Ed hosted large family gatherings in their home for the Jewish holidays, and other occasions celebrating with their children, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. They had a wide circle of friends, participated in a gourmet cooking club, were dedicated movie-goers, attended an annual New York film festival for many years, and often traveled together with friends domestically and overseas.

Ruth grew up playing gin rummy, and she became a bridge player both individually and with Ed. She and Ed subscribed to the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philly Pops, and local theatre. Ruth and Ed loved to travel with their children and grandchildren. There were several multi-generational vacations and trips traveling as a group of 15 or more which fostered a special bond among family members.

Ruth and Edward cared a great deal about the Jewish community. They were generous contributors to the Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern New Jersey, the State of Israel, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, Shriners Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and many other causes as well.

Ruth is predeceased by her husband of 73 years, Edward Feldman and survived by her son Richard Feldman and son-in-law Marco Prado of Philadelphia, PA; her son Bruce Feldman and daughter-in-law Wendy Engelson of Fairfax, Virginia; her daughter Beth Feldman and son-in-law Jeffrey Desman of Moorestown, NJ; and her daughter Marcia Feldman Rost of Voorhees, NJ; her grandchildren Jessica (Sid Fine) Feldman, Matthew Feldman, Andrew Feldman, Jaime Desman, Jacob Desman, Mitchell Desman, Hayley Rost, and Rachel Rost; Brother David Smith and his wife Bobbi; and many nieces and nephews.

Donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to the Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern New Jersey Food Pantry.