Ruth J. McNaughton's Obituary
Methuen – Ruth J. McNaughton, 93 of Methuen, passed away on Saturday, November 06, 2021, at Edgewood Retirement Community in North Andover.
Ruthie was born in Lawrence on January 26, 1928, the second oldest of five children, to the late William John and Ruth Irene (Howe) McNaughton. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School, class of 1945, and then from Emmanuel College in Boston in 1949, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. After graduation, she became fascinated with the new world of computers and spent her career working in information systems at RCA in Burlington and General Electric until her retirement as a senior executive in 1988. She was a pioneer in her field, having broken the glass ceiling, long before the term became popular.
Ruthie had an adventurous spirit, and her travels took her to many countries across the globe. She was an avid golfer and skier, and one of her unforgettable trips was to Switzerland to ski the Alps. Another memorable trip was to Korea with her siblings and their spouses to visit her brother Bill's diocese in Inchon. She also enjoyed frequent cruises with her sister, Mary, and their friends, and she was known to have “the Midas touch” on their visits to the casino.
Ruthie's life was blessed with her cherished fifteen nieces and nephews, along with numerous great nieces and nephews. She loved to host her extended family and friends to her backyard poolside cookouts. She was a devout Catholic and involved in various church activities and retreats.
Ruthie is survived by her sister-in-law, Patricia McNaughton, as well as fifteen nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her siblings, the Most Reverend William J. McNaughton, M.M., Mary MacLeod Devine, Joan L'Italien, and John McNaughton.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Ruthie’s life by gathering for her calling hours on Sunday, November 14, 2021, from 1-5 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 AM on Monday at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish/St. Theresa Church, 22 Plymouth Street, Methuen, MA. Burial will follow at the St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, PO Box 303, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0303, or to the Monastery of St. Clare, 445 River Road, Andover, MA 01810. To send an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the McNaughton family.
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