Ruth O'Brien

Ruth O'Brien

Litchfield Park, AZ - Ruth O'Brien of Litchfield Park, AZ peacefully completed her journey here on earth one week after her 96th birthday in March.

Born and raised in Florence, Ruth graduated from the Cooley Dickinson nursing school in 1949, a time when training included a rotation at the state mental hospital to witness lobotomies. My how times have changed! Ruth went on to have a 25 yr. career at the VA hospital in Leeds.

She married a Baystate boy, George, who was a devoted husband for over 60 years. While George stayed home to watch football, Ruth took up downhill skiing at the age of 40. She skied all over the US up until age 82. Her love of the ocean brought the family to Wells, Maine to vacation and make cherished memories for over 25 years.

At age 84 Ruth left her hometown of Florence to move West with Mary and her beloved dog Lilly. Lilly was also a true comfort and companion to Ruth, George, and Eileen for 20 years.

Leaving her home of 84 yrs. was no easy feat but with the extraordinary care given by her daughter Mary and endless days of AZ sunshine she thrived for another 11 years.

Ruth had an adventurous spirit and a true zest for life. She always had a smile for everybody, even in her last days. She was a great cook and baker of pies, but Saturday nights were for hamburgers, for over 40 years!

Ruth was predeceased by her husband George in 2008, and daughter Eileen in 2007.

She leaves behind her daughter Mary, two sons, and 3 grandchildren.

She will be brought back to her hometown of Florence to be laid to rest.