Ruth Ravelson

Ruth (Wolfe) Ravelson, 94, died on July 8, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Maurice J. Ravelson ("Maurice the Pants Man") who died in 1984. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Shriber and husband Allan; her son, Arnold Ravelson and wife Barbara; and her sister, Sylvia Lapin and husband Morris. She also leaves grandchildren: Larry Ravelson, Bernard Ravelson and wife Liz, Ellen Gansler and husband Rick, Todd Shriber and wife Amy, Debby Shriber, and Josh Shriber and wife Patience, as well as 7 great grandchildren. Her brother, Arthur Wolfe, predeceased her.

Born in Putnam, CT, daughter of the late Joseph and Ethel (Lann) Wolfe, she lived most of her life in Worcester. She graduated Becker College and then worked as the millinery buyer at Filene's before her marriage.

Deeply devoted to her family and friends, she was a tireless volunteer and extraordinary fundraiser within the Jewish Community. Throughout her life she served agencies to enhance the lives of older adults. She served on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Service Center for older adults and spearheaded the Friends Campaign, raising significant dollars annually. Ruth's involvement with the Jewish Healthcare Center spanned over 74 years. She was honored numerous times for her work as a volunteer visiting and comforting residents and as a fundraiser. She was particularly proud of being named the first woman life director of the JHC.

Ruth was an active life member of Hadassah, co-chairing many donor events and was actively fundraising until her death. She possessed an indomitable spirit and zest for life. She will be greatly missed by her family, caregiver Lilian Oduk and her many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, TODAY, THURSDAY, JULY 10th in TEMPLE EMANUEL, 280 MAY ST. Burial will be in B'Nai Brith Cemetery.

Memorial Observance will be held through Sunday Evening, July 13th at the residence of Judy and Allan Shriber, 4 Salisbury Hill Blvd.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ruth and Maurice Ravelson Fund at the Jewish Healthcare Center, 629 Salisbury St., Worcester 01609 or to the Religious School Fund at Temple Emanuel, 280 May St., Worcester 01602.