Ruth M. (Miller) Hamilton of Dedham, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024, three days shy of her 88th birthday. She was born in Dorchester to her parents the late James and Elizabeth (O’Brien) Miller. She is pre-deceased by her husband Robert Hamilton II and her older siblings James Miller, Robert Miller, Mary Spence, and Virginia Mulhall.
Ruth grew up in Dorchester with her 5 siblings. She was a fiercely independent child who excelled in sports and school. Her proudest childhood accomplishment was being named a Junior Boston Fire Commissioner in 1950. Her essay stood out over 7000 other applicants for the honor. She graduated from Archbishop Cushing Central High School in South Boston and attended Boston Teacher’s College before leaving to begin a lifelong career with “The Phone Company”. She was a proud member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. After retiring in 1995, Ruth worked as an usher at Symphony Hall. As a Boston Pops fanatic, she considered this her dream job.
Ruth moved to Dedham when she married in 1959 where she continued to live until her death. Widowed young, Ruth raised her children Robert and Susan on the self-proclaimed best street in Dedham mostly because of her beloved neighbors who became lifelong friends. Ruth loved to entertain her many friends and family in her home. Her legendary Christmas Eve celebrations will live on forever in the minds and hearts of all who attended. Ruth most of all enjoyed summer vacations on Lake Winnipesaukee, Popponesset and Nantucket. Ruth will be remembered as a person who lived life to its fullest, but she will perhaps be most remembered for the care and compassion she conveyed to others in times of adversity or illness.
Ruth is survived by her son Robert S. Hamilton of Fall River, Susan M. Hamilton of Dedham, her beloved granddaughter Alessandra M. Bruno of Manhattan, NY and her former daughter-in-law Loretta Cossette of Foxboro. She is also survived by her younger brother Paul Miller of Falmouth and many cherished nieces and nephews who she loved spending time with. Ruth is also survived by many beloved friends who she enjoyed countless adventures with such as travel, bike riding, cross country skiing, playing golf, and annual pilgrimages to Tanglewood.
Ruth’s family would like to express gratitude to the staff at Charter Senior Living in Dedham, Good Shepherd Community Care, and especially Maria Lopes, Ruth’s friend and care companion for over 5 years, for their kind and exceptional care of Ruth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter 320 Nevada St. Suite 201 Newton, Ma. 02460.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham on Sunday, June 9 from 3-7pm. Her funeral will be held from the funeral home on Monday, June 10 at 9:30am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dedham at 10:30am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham. If planning to attend services please consider wearing something red, white, or blue to honor Ruth’s unwavering love of her country and the American flag.