Ruth Powers Burns, 87 of Needham, MA, lifelong resident of Wellesley Hills, MA. Born July 5, 1929 in Natick, MA to James Powers and Ruth MacMahon Powers. Deceased December 13, 2016. Ruth graduated Simmons College, Boston, MA class of ‘51 and began a career in retailing.
She married Robert G. Burns on July 11, 1953 at St. Patrick's Church in Natick, MA. Following Bob’s graduation from dental school, they lived in New London, CT for two years where he practiced dentistry in the Navy at the Naval Submarine Base. They moved first to Newton, MA then to Wellesley, MA in 1960. Bob opened and operated his dental practice for 35 years. While Ruth raised 5 sons, she was an avid tennis player and golfer at Woodland Golf Club. She participated in many Wellesley community activities and book clubs, but the Wellesley Free Library held a special interest. As a faithful follower of Christ, she was actively involved in Catholic spiritual activities including as a Cursillo leader, an early supporter of Voice of the Faithful, and parishioner and lector at St. Paul Church in Wellesley, MA.
Gifted with perfect pitch, Ruth shared her love for music with her family. She often spontaneously serenaded fellow residents and staff at North Hill (Needham, MA) where she was much loved and well cared for.
She is predeceased by her husband, and her sister, Mary Jane Powers Pereira. She is survived by her brother James Powers of Tucker, GA. She is also survived by sons and daughters-in-law: James and Elizabeth of Wayland, MA, Peter and Lisa of Needham, MA, Robert and Kris of Northbridge, MA, Stephen and Kate Neisser of Chicago, IL and John of Plainfield, MA, as well as by 8 grandchildren: Molly, Kaitlin, Abigail, Maura, Tyler, Kathleen, Isaac and Edward.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. Wellesley, MA from 4 to 8 PM on Wednesday December 21, 2016. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul Church, Wellesley MA at 10:00 AM on Thursday December 22, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick’s Manor, 863 Central St., Framingham, MA 01701.