A Lifelong Commitment to CHEO
Ruth Cull’s journey with CHEO began in 1974, when she joined as one of the very first employees at the newly opened hospital. She worked as an operating room nurse, caring for children during some of their most vulnerable moments.
Years later, Cull attended a clowning workshop that inspired her to take on a new identity: Molly Penny, CHEO’s therapeutic clown. What started as a creative experiment quickly grew into a vital part of the hospital’s emotional support system.
The Role of Molly Penny in Children’s Lives
As Molly Penny, Cull offered much more than comic relief. She became a symbol of resilience, comfort, and warmth within the hospital walls. Children undergoing difficult treatments often found joy and distraction through her presence.
Her impact can be summarized in three distinct ways:
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Laughter as Therapy: Simple jokes, playful antics, and kindness lifted the spirits of young patients.
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Emotional Support: Families described her as a steady source of comfort during uncertain times.
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Hospital Culture: From “Bored Meetings” to playful surprises like distributing “brown Es,” she left a lasting imprint on CHEO’s culture.
Career Timeline of Ruth Cull
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1974 | Joined CHEO as an operating room nurse |
| 1980s1990s | Transitioned into therapeutic clowning after workshop |
| 2000s | Fully embraced the role of Molly Penny, becoming a fixture at CHEO |
| 2022 | Retired after decades of service |
| 2025 | Passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy |
Retirement and the End of an Era
In September 2022, Ruth Cull officially retired from her role as Molly Penny. While her clown shoes and red nose were put away, her presence lingered in the halls of CHEO through the countless stories and memories shared by colleagues and families.
Her retirement was celebrated as a moment to honor her dedication, yet her passing in September 2025 has reignited reflections on the profound influence she had on pediatric care in Ottawa.
Community Tributes to Ruth Cull
Following the news of her death, CHEO staff, community leaders, and families paid tribute to Cull’s extraordinary career. Vera Etches, President and CEO of CHEO, described her as “a lifeline of laughter and hope.”
Colleagues highlighted her unique ability to balance the seriousness of medical care with moments of joy that made hospital stays a little more bearable. Families who experienced her compassion firsthand continue to share stories of how Molly Penny made their children smile during their hardest days.
Family and Early Life
Born and raised in the Ottawa Valley, Ruth Cull grew up as one of 12 siblings on a family farm. Her upbringing instilled resilience, kindness, and a strong sense of community, all of which defined her later career at CHEO.
Her family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting that the tributes reflect how deeply she touched lives far beyond her immediate circle.
The Legacy of Ruth Cull
The Ruth Cull obituary Ottawa moment reminds us that healing is not just about medicine but also about connection, kindness, and compassion. From the operating room to the playful world of Molly Penny, Cull demonstrated how emotional wellbeing is as vital as physical treatment.
Her legacy continues in every laugh she inspired, every family she comforted, and every child who felt braver because she was there. For Ottawa and the CHEO community, Ruth Cull will forever be remembered as a pioneer of therapeutic care and a true guardian of childhood joy.