Ruth Goldbloom, driving force behind Pier 21, dies at 88

Ruth Goldbloom was born in New Waterford, N.S., and was an active community leader who co-founded the Pier 21 Society in 1990.

HALIFAX -- Ruth Goldbloom, who spearheaded efforts to establish Pier 21 in Halifax as a national museum in 2010, has died.

She was 88.

Premier Darrell Dexter said in a statement on Wednesday that Goldbloom dedicated her life to enriching the lives of Canadians.

Goldbloom was born in New Waterford, N.S., and was an active community leader who co-founded the Pier 21 Society in 1990.

In 1992, Goldbloom was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada, and was later promoted to officer within the Order of Canada.

She received the Order of Nova Scotia in 2008.

Goldbloom was also the first chairwoman of the annual Metro United Way Campaign in 1989.

"Ruth was a woman of such energy, passion and commitment," Dexter said. "She dedicated her life to enriching the lives of Nova Scotians, and her legacy will have a lasting effect on Nova Scotia and Canada. She will truly be missed."

When Goldbloom's appointment as a member of the Order of Canada was announced, she was described in her citation as someone whose volunteer work helped bring about change.

"An exemplary volunteer, she transcends social and religious boundaries to support various worthy causes and encourages others to break barriers through action and giving," it says.

When Goldbloom was promoted to officer of the order in April 2000, her time as chancellor of the Technical University of Nova Scotia was among the work that was recognized by the governor general.

"Her latest project, Pier 21, was realized as a result of her unmitigated enthusiasm and leadership," the citation reads. "Through her efforts, it was transformed from a humble gateway into a national symbol of hope for thousands of new Canadians. "

A biography of Goldbloom on the website of Pier 21 says she was married to Dr. Richard Goldbloom, a professor of pediatrics at Dalhousie University. They had three children and seven grandchildren.