Ruth A. McNulty

DANVERS- Ruth A. (McGroarty) McNulty, 78 passed away unexpectedly on August 19, 2017 at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Thomas R. McNulty, the love of her life, with whom she shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. Ruthie had a deep faith life and was a parishioner of St. Rose of Lima in Topsfield. Born in Peabody on August 21, 1938, she was the daughter of the late George A. McGroarty. She was raised and educated in Danvers and graduated from Holten High School in 1956. She had been a Danvers resident for much of her life and she and Tom raised their family there. For the past 20 years, she resided in Boxford where she developed a very close relationship with her wonderful neighbors, the Shaw family, who treated her like family. For this, Ruthie’s children are eternally grateful. Her family and friends were most important to her and she adored and took great pride in her children and grandchildren. One of the great joys of her life was attending her childrens’ and later grandchildrens’ graduations, sporting events, plays, concerts and the like. Ruthie was an incredibly selfless person and would do anything for her family and friends. She was always “at the ready” to help anyone in need, day or night. Ruthie was full of energy and never turned down an invitation. She especially enjoyed socializing and weekly lunches with her dear friends Mary Doherty, Mona Labrecque, Helen Connolly and Mary Pierce, as well as dinners with her cherished McGroarty cousins. Ruthie found humor in many situations and loved to laugh with her family and friends, especially at her annual Christmas Eve holiday party. Ruthie also had a standing board game every Tuesday with her long-time, cherished friend Joan Turcotte. For the last 30 years, a highlight in her life was her annual trip to Aruba with treasured friends Melanie and Bill Horte. Ruthie’s hobbies included reading, daily fitness walks, yoga at the Lynnfield Senior Center and gardening. She worked as a bookkeeper for several companies until retiring in 2003. Ruthie was also a gifted seamstress. She is survived by her children, Thomas and Louise McNulty of Danvers, Kelly and Paul Theriault of Danvers, Maureen and Bill Merritt of Danvers and John McNulty of W. Warwick, RI, a daughter-in-law, Clara Begin of Warwick, RI, her grandchildren, Emily, Julia and Tommy McNulty, Shannon and Nicole Theriault, Patrick, Cody and Brendan Merritt and Mary and Danielle McNulty, her beloved foster family; her mother, Elinor Wells of Peabody, Elaine Casavant of MI, S. Henry “Nippy” Wells of FL, Janet Bennett of Danvers, Don Wells of Danvers and Paula Hutchison of NH and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her foster father, S. Henry Wells, Sr.. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9AM on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers, MA. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8PM on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. In lieu of flowers, Expressions of sympathy may be made in Ruthie’s memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, C/O 24 Conant St., Danvers, MA 01923.