Ruth Doran

Doran, Ruth Ellen (Wilson) - A lifelong Lexington resident, passed away peacefully at her home August 23, 2013, just days after her joyous 100th birthday celebration. Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Robert E. Doran, who died in 1984. Together, Bob and Ruth operated Doran Greenhouses on East St. for over 35 years. Ruth was born in East Lexington August 11, 1913, daughter of the late John A. & Daisy G. Wilson. A few years later, the family moved from Pleasant St. to the top of Fern St. where they farmed what is now Daisy Wilson Meadowland. The family was active in the Lexington Grange and as a teenager Ruth frequently won awards for her preserves at local fairs. She was instrumental in carrying out her parents wishes that their fields be preserved as open space. Ruth and her sisters were also avid members of the Lexington Girl Scouts and their drum and bugle corps, in which Ruth was a drummer. She was a graduate of Adams School, Lexington High School (Class of 1931), and Pierce Secretarial School in Boston. Her first job, which she got through the National Economy League, was as volunteer research assistant in the office of Admiral Richard E. Byrd on Beacon Hill. She later had her own secretarial office upstairs in the Hunt Block, Lexington Centre, then worked for the John Hancock Co. in the city mortgage department. Ruth was also one of the first employees of the J. W. Hayden Recreation Centre and worked there on the girls side for many years before being promoted to assistant secretary to the director. She retired from the Hayden in the 70s and worked as bookkeeper for the family business, Doran Greenhouses. Ruth was a lifelong member of the Church of Our Redeemer (Episcopal) and was active in its Workshop group. Earlier on, she was also a member of its Partners Club and Womens Auxiliary. Gardening was a great passion of hers and she belonged to the Morning Study Group of the Lexington Field & Garden Club. She was also a member of the Lexington Historical Society. Ruth enjoyed walking along Vine Brook and cheering for the Red Sox, both of which kept her young. Two weeks ago, Ruth returned to her childhood farm for her 100th birthday in company of 150 friends and family. She was predeceased by her sisters Marjory Ingham, Dorothy Montague, Jean Wilson, Eleanor Betty Barrett, brother George Wilson, and aunts May Parsons and Lillian Parsons. She is survived by sister Ethel Caouette of Lexington; sons Peter and his wife Linda of South Hamilton, Jonathan of Lexington, and Guy and his wife Elaine of Lexington; grandchildren Diana Marcus, Marcus Doran, David Doran, Matthew Doran, William Ned Doran, and Samuel Doran; great-grandchildren Sarah Michelson, Emily Doran, Noah Michelson, and Hailee Doran; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was also a devoted friend to many. A service was held Monday, followed by burial in Westview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of Our Redeemer (6 Meriam St., 02420), The Morning Study Group of the Lexington Field & Garden Club (20 Sherburne Rd., 02421), and the Lexington Historical Society (P.O. Box 514, 02420).