STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Ruth Ann Irons, 68, of Westerleigh, an R.N., hospital administrator, nurse manager and volunteer patient navigator who was dedicated to her family, died Sunday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, of complications of lung cancer, which she had battled for 11 years.
Born and raised Ruth Ann Streiber in Port Richmond, she studied dance as a girl and graduated from Port Richmond High School. She also lived in West Brighton before moving to Westerleigh about 20 years ago.
She earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from St. Joseph's College, Brooklyn.
A registered nurse, Mrs. Irons worked at University Hospital for over 20 years as an administrator at both the North and South campuses, and was a nurse manager for the inpatient psychiatric unit before stopping work, due to illness, about 10 years ago.
After her diagnosis, she volunteered as a patient navigator for the American Cancer Society, to offer support, information and hope to cancer patients, and was featured in an Advance article in September 2010 describing the nationwide program and her role: She wanted to keep helping others.
Mrs. Irons was a founding member of the Women of the Moose Chapter at the Moose Lodge in Port Richmond.
She was gracious and welcoming, and could make people feel comfortable and at ease. She was fun to be with. She was very organized, and was the motivating force behind annual family camping trips.
An avid reader, she also enjoyed baking, crafts and watching reality TV shows. In her role as "Grandma Dee Dee," she especially loved to bake birthday cakes and sew clothes for her grandchildren.
Mrs. Irons was incredibly strong, family said, and was a wonderful example of determination, perseverance and grace during her years with cancer.
Her family will remember decorating gingerbread houses, Christmas Eve celebrations and Thanksgiving dinners, and will always be grateful she was in their lives, they said.
Mrs. Irons was a member of Immanuel Union Church, Westerleigh.
She and William (Bill) Irons had been married for 29 years, and together built a life that blended their two families and included many good friends.
Also surviving are her son, Scott Clark; her daughters, Ann Baldini, Tracy Haas and Christine Fleming; two brothers, Russell and Donald Streiber; nine grandchildren, and two great-grandsons.
The funeral service will be Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the Harmon Home for Funerals, West Brighton. Arrangements include cremation.