Ruth Cleveland Robertson

Of Boston, MA, and Wonalancet, NH, died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 6, 2008. She was 52. Born in Pasadena, CA, Ruth spent her childhood in San Marino, CA, prior to moving with her family to Wilmington, DE, where she graduated from A. I. DuPont High School in 1972. She attended Vassar College, graduating in 1976. After college, Ruth settled in Boston where she began her lifelong career in advertising sales. At the time of her death she was the Vice President, Group Sales Manager of the Boston office for Eagle TV Sales, a division of Katz Media Group with whom Ruth worked for over 28 years. She was well known and highly respected in the Boston broadcast and advertising community. Ruth is the daughter of Ann Cleveland Robertson and the late Thomas Bolling Robertson of Baltimore, MD. She is the great granddaughter of President Grover Cleveland and Episcopal Bishop Thomas Frank Gailor. Ruth married Stephen J. Abarbanel, a highly experienced attorney with Robinson and Cole LLP in the Boston office. Ruth and Stephen were devoted wife and husband, celebrating their 31st year together this spring, and would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this September. Known for her boundless generosity and contagious laugh, Ruth loved cooking and excellent food. She was a passionate gardener, photographer, and lover of animals. Her seemingly effortless prowess in the kitchen reflected her joy of being with family and friends. Ruth will be missed terribly. In addition to her mother and husband, Ruth is survived by her brother, Thomas B. Robertson and his wife, Antoinette, of Oakton, VA, her sister, Elizabeth Robertson Rowe and her husband, Daniel, of Tamworth, NH, a nephew, Thomas Gailor Robertson, a niece, Elizabeth Tudor Robertson, and numerous other loving relatives, friends, and her two beloved cats. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, July 19 at the Wonalancet Chapel in Wonalancet, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Boston at 10 Chandler Street in Boston, MA 02116.