Ruth Evelyn White

Ruth Evelyn (Daunt) White of Worcester, died Friday, Oct. 19, 2007 in the Holden Nursing Home following a brief illness with her family by her side.

Her husband, John J. "Scoops" White died in 1980. "Scoops" was a popular boxer in Worcester during the 1920's.

Ruth was born in Cleveland, Ohio to William and Catherine (Reilly) Daunt. Her family relocated to Barre, where she was raised as a child, later graduating from Barre High School. She was one of the first athletes to compete in a track meet held at the new dirt track at Worcester Academy.

Ruth later graduated from Becker Junior College with a degree in Secretarial Studies. She was a secretary for Eastern Refractorie and the National Office of Phi Beta Kappa, both of which were located in Worcester. Following her retirement in 1975, she served as a volunteer with the Friendly Visitors Association.

Family was always paramount in Ruth's life. She was dedicated to her five children and their families. Her sense of humor and quick wit will be sadly missed by all. Ruth loved to vacation on Cape Cod and in Florida. She was always ready to pack up and go.

Ruth is survived by her five children, Mary Jean Lemire, wife of Ellsworth H. Lemire of Worcester, John K. White of Worcester, Patricia D. Marotta of Horsham, Penn., Paul D. White and his wife Eunice White of Worcester and Eileen "Wicky" Gareau, wife of Dr. Michael J. Gareau of Worcester, and her beloved sister and lifelong friend, Aileen M. Daunt of Holden. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, including State Senator Stephen M. Brewer of Barre, along with 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Agnes M. Brewer, her other beloved sister, died previously.

Ruth's family wishes to thank the staff at Holden Nursing Home for the dedicated and compassionate caregiving provided throughout her stay there.

Calling hours are Sunday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be held on Monday, Oct. 22 from the funeral home with a Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 341 June St., Worcester. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.

Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to the Friends of Mercy Centre, 25 West Chester St., Worcester 01605.