Ruth Aileen Hanrahan

She was born in Athol, Massachusetts on December 19, 1928, the daughter of the late Anna (LaFord) and Charles Abare. She attended Athol schools and later graduated from Troy, New Hampshire High School in 1946.

On October 30, 1948, she married the love of her life, Thomas Hanrahan. She lived in the family home in Keene for almost 70 years. Ruth was a longtime communicant at St. Bernard’s Parish of Keene. Ruth was an avid reader, enjoyed cross word puzzles, and also devoted many hours to volunteer work. She also had a deep love of history, art and the opera, and loved sketching family members, friends and famous people. Ruth loved spending time with her granddaughter, Colleen, and had a very special friendship with her neighbors Tony and Ruthann D’Alessio and their children and grandchildren. She was also well known for her walks around her neighborhood and friendly exchanges with her neighbors and friends over the years.

Her husband Thomas passed away in 1987, and her sister, Shirley Harper of Keene, passed away in 2017.

Ruth is survived by her son Peter Hanrahan and his wife Mary Ellen of Topsham, Maine, daughter Mary Hanrahan of Keene, and son Patrick and his fianćee Laura Lajos of Sarasota, Florida. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Colleen Hanrahan and her husband Travis Gauthier of Topsham, Maine, and two great-grandchildren, Michaela Haake and Sean Haake, both of Topsham, Maine. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Linda Hanrahan of New York City, and many loving nieces and nephews and their families.

Her funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 10:30 A. M. at St. Margaret Mary Parish at 35 Arch Street in Keene. There are no calling hours. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Keene.

Foley Funeral Home of Keene is handling the funeral arrangements.

The family would like to thank the staff at Applewood Center for caring for Ruth over the last year, and also thank all the friends, neighbors and relatives who provided loving support over the years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ruth’s name to the Society of St. Vincent DePaul of Keene ([email protected]).