Aileen Rutherford (née Diamond) of Colborne died peacefully at Ed’s House, Northumberland Hospice in Cobourg, on September 5, 2026, at the age of 93. This Aileen Rutherford obituary honours a devoted family matriarch and active member of her community.
Family remembrance
Aileen was the daughter of the late Raymond Diamond and Marjorie Steven and the wife of the late Douglas Rutherford. She is lovingly remembered by her children Wayne Rutherford (Nancy), Linda Walas (Mark) and Greg Rutherford (Sue), and was predeceased by her daughter Debbie.
She was grandmother to Jenny, Nikki, Jacquie, Johnny, Mackenzie, Elliott, Julia and Michael and great-grandmother to Carson, Ahna, Sloane, Charlie, Dylan, Scotty, Josh, Jack and David. Her grandsons Josh and Jordan predeceased her. Aileen is also remembered by her sister-in-law Bernie Diamond, brother-in-law Percy Tyrrell, and Peter and Diana Steven. She was predeceased by her brother Jim Diamond and sister-in-law Norma Rutherford.
Life in the Colborne community
Born in Lakeport, Aileen spent most of her life in the Colborne area. After working briefly in Toronto, she returned home, married Doug and joined him on the family farm. Later, she managed The Big Apple gift shop, kept books for several of Doug’s businesses and owned the local laundromat. She also cared for Doug for more than a decade after his stroke.
Aileen and Doug enjoyed years in Florida and made many friends there. A lifelong member of Old St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, she participated in the Presbyterian Women’s Association. During her final three years at Brighton Retirement Residence, Aileen made new friendships and continued to enjoy the card games she played with a spirited competitive streak.
Celebration of life
A celebration of Aileen’s life will be held at the Keeler Centre in Colborne on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with words of remembrance at 2:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Ed’s House, Northumberland Hospice in Cobourg.
Source: Original obituary notice from MacCoubrey Funeral Home Ltd.
