JUDSON: of South Dartmouth, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, Ruth E. (Bettencourt), 78. Widow of Reginald H. Judson Jr. Calling hours are omitted. Burial in South Dartmouth Cemetery will be private. Arrangements are by the WILSON CHAPEL, 479 County St., New Bedford, Ma.
DARTMOUTH - Ruth E. (Bettencourt) Judson, 78, of South Dartmouth, died peacefully Tuesday, February 26, 2008, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was the wife of the late Reginald H. Judson, Jr.
Born and raised in Middleboro, Ma. she was the daughter of the late John and Ila (Holmes) Bettencourt, relocating with her family to South Dartmouth in 1943.
Following her graduation from Dartmouth High School, she worked as a switchboard operator for the former Hathaway Oil Co. in New Bedford before joining her husband Reggie in owning and operating the family business, Judson Cleaners in Padanaram Village. Following the death of her husband in 1978, she was employed for eighteen years as a home health aid for St. Lukes Hopital, a career which she enjoyed immensely, remaining in close contact with many of her former patients and their families into her retirement. since July, 2005, she had resided at The Cedars Assisted Living Community in North Dartmouth.
Fiercely independent and forever caring, she was a devoted mother and grandmother whose greatest joys were her family, grandchildren, homemaking, and gardening. Affectionately known as "Crazy Ruth" and "The Ruth Monster" by those who knew and loved her, she will be fondly remembered for her love of life, laughter and good times.
She is survived by her son, John H. Judson; her daughter, Diane Breault and her husband, Paul; two grandsons, John and Peter Breault; a brother, Stanley Bettencourt, all of South Dartmouth; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Hazel Carr.
In accordance with her wishes, calling hours will be omitted and burial in South Dartmouth Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, Ma. 02472