Ruth Anne McDonnell

After a long and happy life, Ruth McDonnell passed into heaven on May 31st, 2023, at Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara, CA. She was 83 years old.
Ruth entered the world on December 23rd, 1939, in Oakland, CA. She was the 4th child born to Francis and Ruth McDonnell. She was preceded by her 3 older brothers Frank, Robert (Bob) and Paul. Being that she never married, Ruth would be one of the center points of her family as she was the only sister and aunt on this side of the McDonnell family. She was known for never forgetting a birthday and being the first person to call and sing "Happy Birthday" on their special day.
Ruth began work for Alameda County in 1963 where she worked for the Health Care Services Agency, the Purchasing Department and eventually the Social Services Agency where she specialized in Human Resources. She was often representing the county in negotiations with labor in which she was very well respected. When she retired in 1994, the labor unions sent representatives to her retirement which was not typical and something she was incredibly proud of. She had an uncanny way of remembering people's names and faces and even though she hired literally hundreds of employees for Alameda County, when she ran into them later, she would always remember who they were and details about their lives.
Ruth was a learner, and she began to take night classes at Chabot College for things that would interest her. After a few years of doing so she realized she was close to the credit requirements for an A. A. degree and set her mind to it. Upon achieving that goal, she realized she had a love of learning and continued her education at Cal State Hayward (now East Bay) and obtained her Bachelor's degree in 1987. Never one to quit or shy from a challenge, Ruth then went on to Mills College where she eventually got her Master's degree. She was incredibly intelligent and wise and would love to share her knowledge of just about any subject whenever asked.
Ruth also travelled the world, taking trips with close friends and family to everywhere from China to Europe, Africa to South America. One of her proudest achievements was visiting all seven continents.
Ruth gave freely of her time, energy, and expertise, be it in service to her community or making friendships near and far. She served on the board for her retirement community, she edited books (yes, she's even thanked in published books!) and volunteered at the Church of the Assumption. She lived life to the fullest and her list of accomplishments and number of lives she touched could fill a library.
Known and adored by her family as Aunt Ruthie, she is survived by her nephews Robert Jr., Thomas, and Joseph, Nieces-in-laws Christina and Heather, grandnieces, and grandnephews Joshua (and Taylor), Amber, Robert III (Robby and Leticia), Klani, Alex, Alyssa, Jacob, Jenna, Brooklyn, and great-grand nieces and great grandnephews Aubriana, Ryleigh, Joshua Jr., and Hayden.
Funeral Mass to be held at Church of the Assumption in San Leandro June 23rd, 2023, at 12:30 PM with Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.