Helen Ruth Nolan

CLINTON — Helen Ruth (Lavelle) Nolan, 87, of Clinton died peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008, in her home surrounded by her loving family.

Her husband of 63 years, Philip H. Nolan Sr., died in 2007.

She is survived by two sons, Philip H. Nolan Jr. and his wife, Suzanne, of Clinton, and Robert E. Nolan and his wife, Linda, of Lancaster; four daughters, Jean M. Flanagan and her husband, George, of Clinton, Ruthann Nolan and her husband, Marvin Stout, of Harwich, Carolyn T. Nolan and her husband, Francis Connery, of Leominster, and Mary Ann Falconer and her husband, James, of Westminster; nine grandchildren, Sean, Gwen, Gretchen, Michael, Julie, Anne, John, Emily and Allison; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her brother-in-law, Charles Nolan and his wife, Joanne, of West Boylston. She was predeceased by her brother, Edward J. Lavelle, in 1975.

Ruth was born in Clinton, the daughter of Thomas A. and Helena (Kittredge) Lavelle, and was a lifelong resident. She was a graduate of Clinton High School, Class of 1938, and Ward Business School, Worcester.

She was an active member and volunteer of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, the Clinton Hospital Guild, and served as a Scout leader.

An avid reader, she enjoyed history and politics. Ruth was especially proud that her mother was one of the first women in Clinton to cast a vote. She enjoyed many summers in the waters of Hampton Beach and Cape Cod with her family and friends.

Ruth was a devout Catholic, and drew great strength from her faith.

Her generous heart and fun-loving spirit will be greatly missed.

Ruth's funeral will be held on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008, from the McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 1 Cross St., Clinton. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. Calling hours at the funeral home will be held on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008, from 4 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Sisters of the Presentation, BVM, 99 Church St., Leominster, MA 01453.

www.mcnallywatson.com