Ruth Lowe Frank Sinatra’s favourite

On my walk through Beth Tzedec Memorial Park in Toronto, I discovered the grave of one of the city’s greatest — yet often overlooked — songwriters: Ruth Lowe.

Though her name might not be instantly familiar, her songs helped define an era, including two of Frank Sinatra’s most iconic pieces.

Born in 1914 to a butcher’s family, Ruth was a lifelong resident of Heath Street West. Known affectionately as “Ruthie” by Sinatra himself, she carved out a remarkable career in a male-dominated music industry — with a quiet strength and extraordinary talent.

At just 16, she sharpened her musical chops playing piano at the now-demolished Yonge Street Arcade, serenading shoppers as they browsed — a humble start for someone destined to write timeless classics.

Tragedy came early. At 23, Ruth’s first husband died suddenly. From that well of grief came her breakthrough song: “I’ll Never Smile Again.” The haunting ballad resonated deeply with listeners and went on to become a hit for Tommy Dorsey and his young vocalist — a then-unknown Frank Sinatra.

Three years later, with time having softened her sorrow, Ruth co-wrote another tune for Sinatra: “Put Your Dreams Away.” It would become his signature song, used to close his radio shows and, poignantly, played as the final farewell at Sinatra’s funeral in May 1998.

Ruth Lowe Sandler, Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, devoted mother and wife to financier, Nathan Sandler, died in Toronto on January 4, 1981. She was only 66.

1914-1981