Ruth M. Smith

Ruth Marie Smith, 91, passed away on April 14, 2017 in the presence of her loving family. Born in Everett, MA on March 29, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Mary Rose (Hurley) Learned. Retiring in 1991 from United Technologies as a legal secretary, Ruth had previously worked for the New England Telephone Co., Longmeadow Public Schools, Providence Hospital and Hamilton Standard. After her retirement, Ruth realized her lifelong dream and set off on a solo cross-country road tour with a new car, planned itinerary and a very large cell phone.  Upon her return, she began a long and dedicated career of service with Hospice, Meals on Wheels, the U.S. Census, Literacy Volunteers teaching English to Russian immigrants, and FEMA providing assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Ruth also traveled extensively with her family to Alaska, Europe and Australia, and enjoyed many a bicycling excursion in Maine with her siblings. She cherished her quiet times in Pemaquid, long tradition of holiday house tours, and social workouts with friends at Healthtrax in East Longmeadow. She was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. Ruth was an adventurous spirit who took great personal interest in the lives and well-being of others.  All who knew Ruth will remember her grace, integrity and inspirational example of a life well-lived. Predeceased by her former husband George W. Smith and brother-in-law Matthew Ott, she leaves her sons James R. Smith of Brooklyn, NY and Stephen G. Smith of Longmeadow; daughters Joanne Marie Stevens and her husband Richard of Granby, CT and Laurie Ellen Morelli and her husband Gary of East Hampstead, NH; grandchildren Rebecca Carland and her husband Raphael of Alexandria, VA, Richard Stevens and his wife Jennifer of West Hartford, CT, Mary Rose “Molly” Allen and her husband Stephen of Madison, WI, Jennifer Jenkins and her husband Christopher of North Reading, MA, Jesse Morelli of Newport, RI, Crystal Morelli of Charleston, SC, Marissa Smith of Syracuse, NY and Dylan Smith of Philadelphia, PA; great grandchildren Adelaide and John “Johnny” Carland and Eleanor “Ellie” Stevens; former daughter-in-law Patrice Smith of Mansfield, MA;  brother John Learned and his wife Ruth of Topsfield, MA; sister Marilyn Ott of Merchantville, NJ, cherished nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. Family and friends may gather on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 from 4-8 PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA. Ruth’s Liturgy of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church, Longmeadow St, Longmeadow, MA. Burial will be private.

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