Ruth Corridan

Ruth I. Corridan, 87, a lifelong resident of Chicopee, passed away at Baystate Medical Center on September 2, 2020.
Ruth was the only child of Gerard Fortin and Antonia (Trudel) Fortin of Chicopee. She was predeceased in 2011 by her beloved husband of 57 years, William G. Corridan.

Ruth was a communicant of Holy Name of Jesus Church where she volunteered for decades. She was a member of the Rosary Sodality for over 50 years. Ruth was a talented artist, impeccable seamstress and was well known for her skill at planning successful fundraisers for countless community and charitable events. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her dear friends from Austin Street and her beloved sisters-in-law, Barbara, Frankie, Jean Mary, Fe’, Eleanor and Margaret.

Ruth began her career working for the City of Chicopee as a clerk typist, moved to the auditing department and retired in 2004 as the Executive Director of the Chicopee Contributory Retirement Board after 38 years of service to the City of Chicopee.

She was a devoted member of the Chicopee Falls Women’s Club since 1968, serving many terms in leadership roles, developing special programs and raising funds for educational and cultural advancement. She was also a long time member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Massachusetts, where she served with distinction for many years. Ruth was extremely grateful to participate in these organizations and for the deep and lasting friendships she made during those years.

Affectionately known as “Miss Chicopee”, Ruth was crowned the Harvest Festival Queen in 1952. Decades later, it delighted her that her date of retirement was declared “Ruth Corridan Day” in the City.

Ruth is survived by her children Rosemary Minor and her husband Kenneth, Stephen Corridan and his wife Ann, Cynthia Marchand, predeceased by her husband Robert, Judith Corridan Danek and her husband Bernard, Jennifer Corridan Demers and her husband Justin. She leaves her cherished grandchildren Kenneth Minor, Matthew Minor, William Corridan, Frances Corridan, Maeve Corridan, Noah Marchand, Amelia Marchand, Elizabeth Crippin, Shea Crippin, Garrett Martel, Mackenzie Martel and two great grandchildren, Max Minor and Lainey Rose Minor.

She is also survived by Thomas and Margaret Corridan, Eleanor Corridan, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth wished to pay special tribute to her beloved first cousin Rosemarie Beaubein, whom she considered a best friend and a sister, and who devoted these past years to Ruth’s comfort and well-being.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff from Ruth’s residence at Monastery Heights in West Springfield for their compassionate attention, endless supply of activities and crafts, and friendship.

A private service and burial were conducted on September 9, 2020.
Memorial donations may be made to Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, 170 Pendexter Avenue, Chicopee, MA 01013.

Arrangements under the care of Corridan Funeral Home.