Ruth M. Bakalars, 83, a long term resident of Franklin and, more recently, of Bellingham, died peacefully, with her family at her bedside, on Wednesday, August 29th, following a fierce and exhaustive battle with multiple illnesses.. She was the beloved wife of Robert J. Bakalars, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage, before his passing in 2015.
Born August 4, 1935, in Askel, Houghton County Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Matt and Hilia (Moliainen) Tauriainen. She was raised and educated in Houghton County and was Valedictorian of her graduating class at the John A. Doelle High School in Tapiola Michigan.
She worked for Look magazine before later moving to the East Coast. After being a stay-at-home Mom for many years, she then worked for the Polaroid Corporation as a Quality Control Inspector.
Ruth was a devoted wife to Bob, and an exceptional mother to her 4 children. She cherished time with her family above all, and was loved by everyone who met her. She loved the New England Patriots, Maine, sunsets over the Cape Cod Canal, the ocean, hummingbirds, flowers and gardening, rocking on the cottage porch, good friendships, and people with a sense of humor. She also loved being well coiffed, a good manicure, and putting on her "bling."
She is survived by her children: Yvonne K. and her husband (John) Mackey of Bellingham; Cindy and her husband (Charlie) Shepherd of Millis; Jay Bakalars and his wife, Kathryn, of Franklin; and Brian Bakalars and his fiancee, Jane Souza, also of Franklin. She is also survived by her brother Raymond (Donna) Tauriainen of Indiana; sister Doris (Earl) Kersey of Texas; and sister Linda Wilson, of Michigan. Additionally, she is survived by 12 beloved grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many, many nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Richard, Reino, David, and Carl Tauriainen, Vilma Kuure, Viola Hovnan, Elaine Bacon, and Aili Vaughan.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Ruth's funeral on Wednesday, September 5th, at 10 am, St. Brendan Parish, 384 Hartford Ave, Bellingham, MA. Burial to follow at the Bourne National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.
Calling hours are Tuesday, September 4th, from 5-8 pm at the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage St., Franklin, Ma.
Due to floral limitations at the cemetery, donations in Ruth's memory may be sent to The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, 1169 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108.
Guestbook/directions www.oterifuneralhome.com
