Remembering Ruby: ‘A Gentle Spirit’
SAGE is saddened to share the recent passing of Ruby Juster earlier this month. Ruby was a beloved community member, and she uplifted our community in so many ways. She served as a SAGE Board Member and SAGE representative on the NYC Department for the Aging’s Advisory Council, Chair of the Women’s Task Force, and the creator of the popular SAGE’s Women’s Dance.
To learn more about Ruby and the history of the Women’s Dance, please watch the below video. This year’s dance will be held on March 16. Please consider attending to celebrate Ruby’s memory!
Ruby was a founding member of the SAGE Women’s Dance. In 2013, she wrote a wonderful piece abouts its 30th anniversary, and the hard work she, and a dedicated group of women, did to create this community event.
In this piece, Ruby wrote about the dance’s meaning to her.
“On a personal note of my own, Michele Schwartz and I exchanged glances at the dance, and — 30 years later — we are married now, have a daughter and a grandson,” Ruby said. “Who knows how many other romances were sparked and how many life commitments were made that day.”
Ruby and Michele were together for 40 years. They met while Michele was working for SAGE as a social worker as the head of community service. Michele said that Ruby came to the door one day with a tiny little dog, and it was love at first sight.
“Somebody described her as a gentle spirit, and that’s a very good description,” Michele said. “I learned a lot from her. But my favorite thing I learned from her is her love of dogs.”
Thank you for your kindness and all you did for the LGBTQ+ community, Ruby. Rest in Power!
