Obituary of Ruth McPhee

Ruth Marie McPhee a 55 year resident of Burlington passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease on Monday morning, March 5, 2012. She was 84 years old. Ruth was born in Boston, the daughter of Canadian and French parents, the late Arthur and Edouardine Secord. She grew up and was educated in the Back Bay section of Boston. She married George McPhee in 1950. They eventually settled in Burlington in 1957 where they raised their 3 children with much love and care. Ruth was employed by Jordan Marsh and Macy’s until her retirement in 1989. She considered herself to be a talented shopper and enjoyed finding a great bargain. She had a number of interests which included singing, dancing, knitting, needlepoint, reading, and golfing. She liked staying fit and enjoyed walking every morning as well as participating in exercise and water aerobics classes. Ruth spent 14 years wintering in Florida. She participated in a number of Minstrel Shows at the Knights of Columbus. She had great neighbors and friends with whom she enjoyed spending time. She was always there to lend a helping hand to everyone and did some volunteer work in the community. Her eight grandchildren were her greatest joy. She enjoyed going to watch their hockey and baseball games, swim meets, dance recitals, and school concerts and plays. Ruth considered herself to be blessed to have strong family bonds. Ruth was the beloved wife of 61 years of George W. McPhee. She was the loving mother of Karen Noonan of Burlington, Susan Cronin & her husband Shane of Burlington, and Nancy Anderson & her husband Bud of Bedford. She was the sister of Jane Leman of N. Attleboro and Sanibel Island, FL, Joan Sprinkle of West Dennis and Sanibel Island, FL, Rita Colsia of Milford, NH, and the late Paul, Ralph, and Clifford Secord. She was the proud grandmother of Lauren, James, & Taylor Anderson, Kevin, Stephen, & Liam Cronin, and Nicole & Cameron Noonan. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, March 10 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Ruth’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472 or www.alz.org.