Ruth (Paul) Bauer, 79, a longtime resident of Needham died on April 16, 2006 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Needham Hospital, spending her final days surrounded by her loving family. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Mrs. Bauer grew up in Swampscott. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Boston University, where she also received her Master’s in Social Work. Mrs. Bauer then embarked on a career in medical social work, during which time she met her husband, Dr. Harry Bauer, while working at Boston City Hospital. She was married to Dr. Bauer for more than 50 years, eventually managing his office in Needham for most of the last 50 years.
Mrs. Bauer was active in the Needham community, serving as president of the Hospital Aid Association at what was then known as Glover Memorial Hospital. She was elected to several terms as a member of the Needham Board of Health. Mrs. Bauer also was dedicated to the Roxbury Latin School, from which her two sons graduated and where Dr. Bauer served as school physician for many years. She shared a love for classical music with her husband, attending many concerts in Boston, at Tanglewood and at the Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont. Mrs. Bauer also was particularly devoted to her three grandchildren, Benjamin P., Jeremy P., and Emma Helen, of South Strafford, VT. Besides her husband and grandchildren, Mrs. Bauer leaves two sons, Matthew B. of Washington, DC, and Robert J. of South Strafford, VT, as well as her brother Howard M. and his wife Gloria of Boston, formerly of Hingham. Mrs. Bauer encountered significant health challenges for more than 30 years, facing them all with grace and a strong will. A service celebrating her life will take place at 2 PM on Sunday April 30 at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Avenue, Needham. In lieu of flowers donations in Ruth's name may be made to the Beth Israel Deaconess Needham Hospital Aid Association, 148 Chestnut Street, Needham MA 02492