Ruth Ellen (Bell) Tofalo-McGivern passed away on Wednesday evening, April 24, 2024, surrounded by her family. Ruth would have celebrated her 90th birthday on December 20th.
Ruth was the third of 14 children born to the late Antoinette and James Bell. Born in Waltham, MA, she grew up in Woburn. She graduated from Woburn High School in 1953. Ruth married Harold Tofalo in 1955. They moved to Burlington in the late 1960's where they raised their family.
Widowed in 1984, Ruth moved back to Woburn. She found love again with the late Gene McGivern and together they enjoyed 25 fun loving years as a couple marrying in 2011. They loved dancing and socializing with friends and their expanded blended families. She eventually became a "snowbird" in South Florida's Delray Beach.
Ruth was a woman of great spirit; she had a passion for traveling, fun and family. She loved playing cards, going out with the girls and spending time with her brothers and sisters. Whether it was a card game with friends or a night at the casino, Ruth enjoyed the fun of the game, especially winning! Her competitive spirit was matched only by her laughter, and those who had the pleasure of playing cards with her knew that they were in for a good time.
Above all, Ruth, cherished her grandchildren and treasured the moments spent together. She was a devoted grandmother, always making time for them whether it was a listening ear, or a comforting embrace. Ruth's memory will forever be etched in all the people's hearts who were blessed to have shared in her joy and laughter daily. Though she may be gone, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched with her love, generosity and laughter.
Ruth is survived by her devoted children, Michael H. Tofalo, Jr. of Ossipee, NH, Denise Fowler and her husband Roy of Woburn, Kevin Tofalo and his wife Marie of Woburn, stepmother of Kathy Kempf, Stacie Colbeth, Richard McGivern and his wife Denise. She was the loving grandmother of Liz Mackie, Michael Tofalo III, Marc Tofalo, Miranda Tofalo, Amanda Ellsworth and her husband Mike, Jordan Tofalo, and Christopher Colbeth. She is also survived by four loving great grandchildren. Cherished sister of Barbara Thibedeau and husband Jack, Evelyn Doherty, Charles Bell and wife Judy, Raymond Bell and wife Christine, Shirley Degan, Janet Green and husband Dave, Joanne Pillman and husband Stan, Diane Jordan and husband Mark, James Bell, Stephen Bell and wife Diane, the late Jean Davis, Robert and David Bell. Further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Monday, April 29th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. Interment services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Assoc., PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.