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Remembering Ruth Lesh

(Compiled September 9th, 2007)

 
 

The Storytelling Center has lost another dear friend, Ruth Lesh, who passed away on August 27th. Ruth was a board member for many years, always happy to help in any way needed.
 
For a decade she served as the monitor for the storytelling series at the Hans Christian Andersen Statue in Central Park, her warm presence felt and appreciated by both storytellers and audience. When her death was announced at the statue on September 1st, there were tears all around. Diane Wolkstein dedicated the program that day to Ruth, and the tellers, Therese Folkes–Plair and Melissa Heckler, told stories that she loved.
 
Ruth was a storyteller, a story listener and a steadfast and enthusiastic supporter of storytelling in New York City and New Jersey. We all will miss her. Here are some of the thoughts sent by the storytelling community.
 
The Storytelling Center's October 21st concert honored both Ruth Lesh and Selma Wiener.

With great sadness I write to let you know that Ruth Lesh died on August 27th. She was home with her four children where she wanted to be. We found out on Saturday, September 1st at the Statue when her son Bill came to tell us because, as he said, "she so loved stories." Melissa and Therese dedicated the session to Ruth and told wonderful stories that she surely enjoyed.

Ruth loved stories and she loved storytellers. She often went to events in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut to support other storytellers and always with encouragement, a gentle word, a smile. She was a soft guardian angel for the stories at the Statue. And when she told, she told with a twinkle in her eye, and a great happiness. I will dearly miss her presence, commitment and love of stories.

Diane Wolkstein.

I'm so sad to get the new about our dear Ruth's passing. I sit here now thinking about Ruth's gentle, lovely voice, especially each time she'd call me to gather news items for the Center's newsletter (back in the day when it was sent snail mail). It was so much fun talking and laughing together. She'd always begin with, "Barbara, I don't want to take up too much of your time." I'd say, "Ruth, Ruth, its always great to hear from you." And we'd chat away…

Now I think of those chats, and wonderful stories I heard her tell over the years and know how much she will be missed by all.

As I think about the loss of our two dear friends, Selma and Ruth, I turn to Emily Dickinson and take comfort in her poignant words:

"The world is not conclusion,
A sequel stands beyond,
Invisible as music,
But positive as sound."

Barbara Aliprantis.

It is hard to imagine telling stories at the Center or at the Andersen statue without the smiling, totally open hearted appreciation of Ruth's presence.

Laura Simms.

Every time I heard Ruth tell a story she convinced me it was her personal experience, and knowing her for the great artist she is, the stories are her convictions and confirmations of life.

David Elyha.

I am so very sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. The storytelling community has sustained major losses this summer.

John Colligan.

Oh, noooo! I was worried about her, but even though she wasn't strong, she looked so happy and relaxed when I saw her with her kids at Diane's celebration. Those kids were really devoted to her, and no wonder. She was a loving person. Ruth was a wonderful woman and a real storyteller!

Marilyn Iarusso.

[Marilyn's photograph of Ruth at "New York Is Book Country," shown above, accompanies this tribute.]

I feel so sad. Ruth was a real mensch!

Robin Bady.

So sad to hear of Ruth's death. I wondered about her at the desert party and now know how poorly she was doing. We will pay tribute to her at the October event.

Gerald Fierst.

How very sad. Ruth was a great lady and always made me feel like I mattered. I will miss her.

Rivka Widderman.

What a beautiful, charasmatic spirit Ruth had. I last sat and caught up with her at Laura's telling at the Scandanavian House. We took the bus together afterwards and she was bubbling with all her plans for the day, she only went a little way with me on the bus, because she was rushing off to catch another bus to hear another teller. Her impishness, energy and passion for stories always inspired me.

LuAnn Adams.

Thanks, Ruth!

Regina Ress.