Ruth E Ryan

("Ruthie") Eleanor Ryan, 79, of Sudbury and formerly Jackson, Mississippi passed away on Friday, July 19, 2013 at Sudbury Pines Extended Care after a short, but challenging bout with brain cancer. Ruth is survived by her devoted brother, Jim Ryan, and his wife Ellen Attaliades of Sudbury, her nephew and his wife, Dick and Pam Johnson of Byram, Mississippi, her nephew and his wife, Jim Ryan and Chris Attaliades of Otisfield, Maine, her niece, Ellen Mcarty of Pearl, Mississippi, her nephew Patrick Ryan of Hudson, her niece, Maria Ryan of Sudbury and her great nephew, Nicholas Attaliades Ryan of Otisfield, Maine.

Born in New Jersey, Ruth lived in Maryland, Connecticut, Mississippi and most recently, Massachusetts. She loved children and spent many summers as a lifeguard. In her early years, she was known for driving a white convertible around town - the envy of many. She loved to garden and landscape and had a thriving mum business in Connecticut. Known as "the cat lady" in her neighborhood, she loved and cared for many cats and dogs. She loved to putter around - building small wood boxes, fixing chairs, fiddling around with antique clocks and built small pieces of furniture including a beautifully carved love seat. An avid photographer, Ruthie has chronicled much of her family's life.

Ruthie had a heart of gold and not a spot of malice towards anyone. She was an outgoing, sociable person and would talk to anyone that would listen. She loved attending her day program, Aging Well, and would come home each day with animated stories of the people there and what happened during the day. She thanked her family, and anyone she came into contact with, every day for helping her.

Private services will be held in August at the family cemetery in Otisfield, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "Activities Department" of the Aging Well Center located at 420 MapleStreet, Unit 25, Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752.