Ruth N. MacDonald

Ruth N. MacDonald WAYLAND Ruth N. MacDonald, a longtime Wayland resident, educator, author, social activist, artist, teacher trainer, loving and beloved mother and grandmother, died Sept. 27, 2008, after a lengthy illness. Ruth was 81. Ruths professional career was dedicated to education. She taught at every level, elementary through college, wrote a wide variety of school curricula, was the senior editor of elementary social studies and reading textbooks, and conducted teacher training in the United States, Europe and Africa. Ruth was a well-known keynote speaker on early childhood development, teenage health and sexuality education, and community health initiatives. She served as a consultant for many health and educational organizations and universities. Ruth was also active in the Wayland community and was elected to the Wayland School Committee for two terms. In her personal life, Ruth was an ardent Democrat, and was dedicated to social action, particularly directed towards the causes of peace, equality and education. Ruth had a lifelong love of music and literature, sports, nature, theater and film and photography. Ruth was the descendant of Italian immigrants, and took distinct pride in the efforts and accomplishments of her extended family. Ruths greatest pleasure came from being with her children and grandchildren, and contributing to their lives. Ruth was a generous and dedicated friend. She was a wonderful listener and resource, and unfailingly provided acceptance, encouragement, comfort and practical advice to the many people she touched. Born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y., Ruth graduated from Bucknell University in 1949, and earned a master of education degree from SUNY, Buffalo, in 1972. She taught in Florida, New York, Massachusetts, and in Nigeria. Her post-teaching career was spent at the Education Development Center in Newton, Silver Burdett Ginn, and Simon & Schuster. Ruth is survived by her daughters and their families, Susan and Brad Keyes of Wayland, Bronwyn and Jeffrey Lamont, and grandson Evan, also of Wayland, and Gwynneth MacDonald Jackson, Anthony Jackson, and grandson, Makai, of Newton. She also leaves her sisters, Doris Schumacher of Lockport, N.Y., Marjorie Mix and her husband, David, of Buffalo, N.Y., and eight nieces. Ruths husband, Spencer MacDonald, died in 1995. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 4, in the First Parish in Wayland, 50 Cochituate Road (Rte. 20), Wayland. Directions are available at www.uuwayland.org. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to the First Parish in Wayland, P. O. Box 397, Wayland, MA 01778. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland.