Ruth M. von Kelsch

Ruth M. von Kelsch (nee Kurey), died peacefully at age 101 years, surrounded by her family, at her home in Wellesley. Born October 1, 1913, in Boston, she was the beloved wife of the late Henry J. von Kelsch, Jr. and the loving devoted mother of six children: Andrea Soucy and her late husband Richard of Plainville, MA; Henry J. von Kelsch III and his wife Linda of Stafford, VA; Michele von Kelsch of Wellesley, MA; Deborah Baker and her husband William of New Bedford, MA; Roberta Golden and her husband Gregory of Virginia Beach, VA; and Erich von Kelsch and his wife Carol of Framingham, MA. She was the adored Grandmother from Boston and Mimi to eleven grandchildren: Amy von Kelsch, Abigail von Kelsch, Elizabeth von Kelsch, Deborah Baker, Jr., Amelia Baker, William Baker III, Gerard Golden, Timothy Golden, Alexandra Golden, Erika von Kelsch, and Henry J. von Kelsch IV, and one great--grand daughter, Sydney Smith She is survived by many nieces and nephews, including her eldest niece, Marguerite Asack, of Brockton. Ruth was a stay at home mother until age 63, when she joined the work force as a secretary at the Wellesley Town Hall, and later as a secretary at the Curriculum center at the Wellesley Middle School, where she remained until her retirement at age 87. She served as a Wellesley Town Meeting Member for over 25 years. After her retirement from local politics, she remained active in town issues, most notably being the invited main speaker at Town Meeting on the issue of the establishment of a Wellesley Senior Center. She was a fixture at the polls at every town election. A member of the Wellesley Hills Womans Club, she served on the Scholarship Committee. Ruth ardently believed in the importance of education, and for 8 years took courses at Wellesley College and Babson College. She was for many years the local chapter President of The Companions of the Forest of America. Well into her advancing years, Ruth continued her love of travel, taking trips to Bermuda, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States. While at home, Ruth stayed active with participation in the Wellesley Friendship Circle, Yoga and exercise classes, tread mill sessions and working in her rock gardens. Visiting hours will be Friday, March 20, from 4 PM to 8PM at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St.(Rt.16), Wellesley, MA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, at 10AM at St. Pauls Parish, 502 Washington St., Wellesley, MA. Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: The Dyslexia Foundation, 1 Clinton Place, New Bedford, MA 02740. For online guestbook, gfdoherty.com. Funeral arrangements by George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, Wellesley.