Ruth Mary O'Regan Obituary (1928 - 2015)

CHELMSFORD -Ruth Mary (Doucette) ORegan, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts passed peacefully on May 9, 2015. Ruth was the loving wife of the late John P. ORegan with whom she shared 45 years of marriage. Born on February 13, 1928 in East Boston, MA, Ruth was the daughter of the late Henry and Alice (Surette) Doucette and sister of the late Alex Doucette. Ruth attended St. Marys Parochial School in East Boston and graduated from Fitton High School (Sisters of Notre Dame), Boston in 1945. Ruth was employed from 1945 to 1954 at Mobil Oil Corporation in Kenmore Square, Boston, as Executive Secretary to the New England Division Operating Manager. She married John on October 11, 1952 at Saint Marys Star of the Sea Church, East Boston. After starting their family, John and Ruth moved to Chelmsford, MA in 1963 and were parishioners at Saint Marys Church. After raising her family, Ruth returned to work and was employed at Purity Supreme as a secretary in the main office from 1974 to 1992. After retiring, Ruth volunteered at the Chelmsford Public Library each week for the past 16 years. She enjoyed meeting with her dear Purity friends for monthly luncheons and social events. Ruth was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed sewing clothing for herself and her daughters. She loved dancing, traveling, Tai Chi, and gardening. She was an active member of the Chelmsford Senior Center and enjoyed the dances, exercise, and bingo. However, being with her children, grandchildren and great granddaughter were her favorite moments. She enjoyed every family gathering and would be the first to arrive and the last to leave. She leaves her five children: Anne Fratturelli, and her partner Robert Wittren, Robert ORegan and his wife Carol, Jean Reiser and her husband Joseph, Ellen Lyons and her husband Christopher, Paul O'Regan and his wife Nancy. She also leaves eleven grandchildren: Matthew and Lauren Fratturelli; Peter and Lindsey ORegan; Kathryn and Steven Reiser; Sarah, Stephen and Joseph Lyons; Kelly and Cameron ORegan; and great-granddaughter Kaleigh Bradshaw. Ruth is also survived by her loving companion of nearly ten years, Joseph Nowland of Needham, MA. He was a wonderful addition to her life and together they shared many happy times. In November 2014, Ruth was diagnosed with ALS. She fought a courageous battle against this disease with dignity, strength and grace. Her determination to be positive got her through many dark and challenging days. Ruth was surrounded by her devoted family, friends and lifelong neighbors who have always been there for her. The family wishes to extend our deepest appreciation to Sunny Acres Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the kind and loving care provided to our mother. Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday from 4 to 8 pm at the Blake Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St. Chelmsford. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 9 oclock at St. Mary Church, 25 North Rd. Chelmsford. Interment will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford. Memorial contributions may be made to The ALS Association, MA Chapter, 315 Norwood Park, South, 1st floor,Norwood, MA 02062. Visitation May 14, 2015 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Blake Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Service Information May 15, 2015 9:00am, Saint Mary Catholic Church 25 North Road Chelmsford, MA 01824 PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH Interment Location Pine Ridge Cemetery 130 Billerica Road Chelmsford, MA 01824