Ruby Greenwood
December 27, 1922 — August 29, 2026
Ruby Lenora (Kaulback) Greenwood, 103, died peacefully at her home on August 28, 2026. Born on December 27, 1922, in Parkdale, Nova Scotia, Canada, Ruby was the daughter of Laurin Enos Kaulback and Oressa Viola (Rhodenizer) Kaulback. She grew up in a large and loving family and outlived all of her siblings: sisters Geneva, Madeline, Phyllis, Gladys, and Ruth, and her brother Laurin “Ted” Kaulback.
Ruby was predeceased in 2001 by her husband, Chester “Chet” Greenwood II. She also leaves her two sons: Bob and wife, Carol, of Wooster, Ohio; and Chet and wife, Sherry, of Derby.
In 1955, Ruby joined the United Church of Derby, now Derby Community Church, beginning more than seventy years of devoted involvement. She assisted with church record-keeping, she participated in church life, and in her later years found joy and purpose in crafting gifts for her church family.
Ruby crocheted delicate snowflakes and knitted hats for members of the congregation — creating over 250 hats in the past eighteen months, finishing one just four days before her passing.
Ruby leaves behind four beloved grandchildren: Chad Greenwood and his wife, Lia, of Maple Valley, Washington; Stacy Burrus and her husband, Rob, of Hampton, New Hampshire; Lorri Greenwood and her partner, Chris, of Brighton, Massachusetts; and Vikki Briggs and her husband, Adam, of Wooster, Ohio. She also leaves eight great-grandchildren she adored: Evan, Delia, Erik, Kate, Anna, Caroline, Harrison, and Curtis. Ruby will also be missed by her nieces and nephews from the Rumford, Maine, area where she grew up.
Ruby delighted in sharing maple creemees with her granddaughters, and she never lost her fondness for a good lobster roll.
Ruby was an exceptional cook, known for her blueberry muffins and chocolate cake recipes she continued to make right up until the final weeks of her life. Her home was always filled with warmth, hospitality, and the comforting aromas of her kitchen.
Her final days were made peaceful through the devoted care of Kate Benjamin, whose compassion and presence brought comfort and reassurance.
Ruby will be remembered for her kindness, her quiet strength, and the love she shared so generously across generations. Her legacy lives on in her family, her church, and the countless lives she touched with her gentle spirit.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Derby Community Church, P.O. Box 294, Main St, Derby, Vermont 05829.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 11, at the Derby Community Church, 3086 U.S. Route 5, Derby. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
Rita Jeannine Giroux
Rita Jeannine Giroux, age 93, of Newport died peacefully on August 26, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.
Rita was born on October 17, 1932, in Barnston, Quebec, Canada, to Dorothee and Elzear “Ben” Riendeau. She grew up with her five siblings on a farm in Coaticook, Quebec, that is now the site of the scenic Coaticook Golf Club. As a young girl, Rita loved spending time with her father preparing for horse races. Rita began her career at La Tribune newspaper. She later married the love of her life, Gerard Giroux, on November 26, 1960.
Rita’s greatest accomplishment was being the rock and foundation for her six children and, later, her 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was a strong, independent woman who had a knack for figuring out how to do just about anything. Whether she was installing a tile floor, painting her house, creating beautiful outfits for special occasions, or taking on a new challenge, Rita always found a way. She was resilient, a wonderful cook, a creative seamstress, and a talented maker of wreaths and bows. For several years, she also ran the driving range in Newport.
Rita loved Canadian music and dancing, and she knew how to celebrate. Holidays were always large family gatherings filled with abundant food, laughter, and the love that held her family together. Her faith in God was paramount in her life, and she passed that faith and love on to her children and grandchildren. Rita often shared her favorite words of wisdom: “Love and peace, and give your heart to Jesus.”
One of Rita’s greatest gifts was her ability to create family traditions that will live on for generations. She brought her family together for apple picking, homemade doughnut making, sugar-on-snow parties, taffy making, knitting, and berry and fiddlehead picking. These traditions were opportunities to gather, laugh, share stories, and make memories together.
Rita will be deeply missed by her children: Connie Isabelle and her husband, Rick; Richard Giroux and his wife, Gina; Mark Giroux and his wife, Amy; David Giroux and Marcy; Ann Marie Bertrand and her husband, Jody; and Christie Boskus and her husband, Steve; as well as her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents, Dorothee and Elzear “Ben” Riendeau, four of her siblings, and her husband, Gerard Giroux.
The family is extremely grateful to all of those who cared for Rita throughout the years, including her private caregivers, hospital staff, and the compassionate staff at Michaud Manor. Their kindness, dedication, and care meant so much to Rita and her family. Funeral services were held on Monday, August 31, at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport.
Memorial contributions in Rita’s memory may be made to Michaud Manor’s Activity Fund, 47 Herrick Road, Derby Line, Vermont 05830.
Rita’s love, strength, faith, and traditions will remain a part of her family for generations to come. “Love, peace and give your heart to Jesus.”
Online condolences are welcome at curtis-britch.com.
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