Ruth T. Carter

Ruth T. (Schefisch) Carter, 96, of Rockport, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Kaplan House surrounded by her loving children. She was predeceased by her husband, James S. Carter Sr.

Ruth was born in Wakefield, MA on September 8, 1929, and was the daughter of the late Robert and Rose (Smith) Schefisch.

She grew up in Wakefield, MA and graduated from Wakefield High class of 1947. In 1955, Ruth and Jim married and started their family. She became a devoted mother to her 4 children. Throughout the years they lived in Wakefield and Marlborough MA before moving to their beloved home in the town of Rockport in 1978.

Once in Rockport, Ruth worked for many years at L.E. Smith Hardware as a cashier and bookkeeper. She loved working there because of all the people she met.

Ruth and Jim enjoyed entertaining with family and friends at their home and on their boat the Windrift.

Ruth's greatest joy was her grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than having them surrounding her. She loved having freshly baked cookies and brownies waiting for her 3 local grandchildren, Toby, Phillip and Heather after school as they got off the bus at her home. She also looked forward to when her out of state grandchildren, Ethan, Kelly, Paige and Alison would stay with her and Jim too.

Ruth is survived by her children Martha Wiberg of Gloucester, Theresa (Rob) McClurg of Carmel, CA, James S. (Gloria) Carter, Jr. of Rumford, ME and Ruth Elena (Butch) MacArthur of Rockport.

Ruth adored her 7 grandchildren Ethan (Ashley) Carter of Lakewood Ranch, FL; Kelly (Anthony) Gasperino of Arvada, CO; Paige Carter of Rumford, ME; Toby (Jessica) Wiberg of Gloucester; Phillip (Kaity) MacArthur of Boston; Alison Combs of Angier, NC and Heather MacArthur of Boston. She also has 7 great-grandchildren in which she cherished; Trey, Riley, Ava, Kenneth, Theo, Evan and William.

Ruth is survived by her sister Ann (Joe) Puleo of Wakefield, MA, Chris Wiberg of Rockport, Gary Linder of Gloucester, her beloved cat Lily and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sisters Rita (Vincent) Gorey of Wakefield MA; Helen (Richard) Guare of Montpelier, VT; brother Paul (Delia) Schefisch of Methuen, MA and baby brother Robert.

The family would like to thank her wonderful caretaker/companion Barbie Silva as well as the dedicated staff and friends of Day by Day Adult Care.

Visiting hour will held at St. Joachim's Church, 56 Broadway, Rockport, on Tuesday, March 3rd from 10-11a.m. followed by a Mass at 11a.m. Burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Day by Day Adult Care (501(C3)) at 4R Blackburn Center, Gloucester, MA.