RUTH E. MacEWEN

  
RUTH ELIZABETH MacEWEN "Ruthie"  
Of Woodbridge, VA, died of Congestive Heart Failure on September 10, 2014, at home, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren, just as she wished. Ruthie was born on May 8, 1924 to William Sponauer and Ruth Flaherty in Wilkes Barre, PA. She graduated from Harter High School, West Nanticoke, PA in 1942 and moved to Washington D.C. where she worked for the War Department. Ruthie became one of the WAVES by joining the US Navy in 1943, and was proud of her service as an Aviation Machinist Mate. While stationed at Inyokern, CA, Ruthie met her future husband, Donald J MacEwen, whom she married in August 1945. Ruthie was Honorably Discharged from the Navy in December 1945, and she spent the next 45 years raising her family in Elizabethtown PA, Hunlock Creek PA, and Woodbridge, VA. She volunteered at the local Library and at Potomac Hospital, and she enjoyed working on the US Census every ten years. Ruthie loved babies, big family gatherings, picnics at Lake Jean, going to the movies, and going out to dinner. She also enjoyed vacationing at Myrtle Beach and spending summers at her cottage in Pennsylvania with her sisters and brother and their families, but her greatest joy was simply spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ruthie was a devout member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, had a deep love for and devotion to The Virgin Mary, and prayed the Rosary daily. Ruthie is survived by her nine children: Maureen (Tom) Jacoby; Donald Jr (Karin Knowles); Judith (Don) Canestra; David (Sherry); Barbara (Ed) DuBois; Mark, Daniel, Thomas (Denise Carter), and Michael. She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grand children, her brother William Sponauer, her sister Patricia Pegarella, and countless nieces and nephews. Ruthie was predeceased by her husband of sixty one years, Don; her grandson Matthew, and her sisters Catherine Gregory and Margaret Sorber. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 19 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, Mary's Way in Woodbridge, VA. Interment private at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to St Jude's Children's Hospital or the charity of your choice.