Ruth Harriet (Neale) Wood of West Harwich, formerly of Duxbury and Dedham, passed away January 24, 2006, at the Eagle Pond Rehabilitation and Living Center in Dennis. She was 94.
Although she lived and grew up in Dedham, she and her family would spend their summers in Duxbury. She attended Dedham schools and graduated from Dedham High School in 1929. Referred to as the “it girl” for her charm and beauty, Ruth won the title of Miss Massachusetts. She was married from 1933 into the 1950’s. During that time she had three beautiful children. Barbara Marie, Bruce Roy and David Wendell. She worked as a case manager for John Hancock Insurance Company in Boston, retiring in 1961.
She was very active in the Rebekah Lodge for over 40 years and served as national musician. She continued to play the piano for family and friends until she was no longer able. She enjoyed travel to warm places and Caribbean Cruises with family and friends.
During her last years, she lived at the Eagle Pond Rehabilitation and Living Center where she received devoted attention from her daughter, Barbara Botaish. Called by many names such as “sister”, “mom”, “noni”, “grammie”, “auntie”, and “cousin”, she always had a quick wit to the very end and enjoyed socializing with all who were around her.
She was the beloved wife of the late Harry Wood.
She was the devoted mother of Barbara M. Botaish and her husband Francis of West Harwich, Bruce R. Gallagher and his wife Margaret of Dover, NH and David W. Gallagher of Wareham. She was the sister of Martha Coles of East Kingston, NH and the late Alice Merry, Arthur Neale and Dorothy Flanagan. Also survived by 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.
Funeral services in the Allin Congregational Church, 683 High St., Dedham, on Monday at 11 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham, on Sunday from 3-7 PM. Interment in Gethsemane Cemetery, West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Ruth in a special way, may make a memorial contribution to the Eagle Pond Rehabilitation and Living Center, P.O. Box 208, South Dennis, MA 02660 or to the Beacon Hospice inc., 259 Willow St., Unit 2, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675.