Ruth M. McDonald

Ruth M. (Sweeney) McDonald, 94, died on December 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Ruth was born on June 18, 1931, the only child of the late John “Joe” and Ruth Ellen (Foster) Sweeney. She attended Andover public schools and graduated in 1951 from Punchard High School, where she participated in marching band, social committees, softball, basketball, and volleyball. After graduation, Ruth worked for Cherry & Webb in Lawrence, where she sold cosmetics and was occasionally called on to model in the store window.

Ruth was raised at 1 Jenkins Road in Andover, which she affectionately referred to as “the farm.” She frequently recalled her childhood on the farm—helping her parents raise animals, picking vegetables from the garden, and caring for her beloved pets, including dogs, cats, and a pony named Molly. For her first job, Ruth gathered and sold blueberries from a roadside stand for 10 cents a pint. Later, she would joke with her grandchildren that this was how she made her millions.

True to her Punchard High title of “Best Natured,” Ruth was very sociable from a young age and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Her home was the site of weekly Sweeney family and friend gatherings filled with badminton, shuffleboard, horseshoes, ping-pong and card games. Growing up as an only child, Ruth dreamed of someday having a large family of her own. She met her future husband, William T. “Bill” McDonald, in 1952 when she was persuaded by her aunts to drive them to an open house at a new funeral home in Wakefield. It was there that she met the young owner, Bill, whom she married on June 5, 1954, at St. Augustine Church in Andover.

Ruth soon got the big family she wanted, having six children in eight years. She worked tirelessly to care for her growing family and took great pride in her children’s accomplishments, attending countless events and activities over the years. During the 1970s, Ruth became a devoted caregiver to Bill’s parents, her own mother, and elderly aunt. Each night, she prepared meals for them in addition to caring for her six children and husband.

Ruth, who grew up only ever taking occasional daytrips to the beach, also fulfilled her lifelong dream of having a “place at the beach” to spend family time when she and Bill purchased a house in Hampton, New Hampshire, in 1964. She treasured the memories and lifelong friendships she formed in Hampton, as well as in Marco Island, Florida, where they spent many winter seasons. In earlier years, Ruth enjoyed playing tennis, golfing, and bowling. She was happiest when she was in the company of loved ones, sharing a laugh and singing a song.

Ruth’s favorite night of the year was Christmas Eve, when she hosted a large gathering of family and friends, complete with a visit from Santa, an annual tradition that started in 1954. Decorations included a one-horse open sleigh from her family farm. This year, her family was blessed to celebrate one final Christmas Eve with Ruth.

A longtime member of St. Joseph Parish in Wakefield, Ruth also attended Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenwood, and San Marco Catholic Church in Marco Island.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William T. McDonald, in April 2013.

Ruth is survived by her six loving children and their spouses: Patricia Graham and Kenneth; Maureen Duffy and Robert; William T. McDonald, Jr. and Kathleen; John J. McDonald and Elina; David M. McDonald and Robin; and Kathleen Susca and Richard. She is also survived by her 16 grandchildren: Michael, Christine, and Stephen Graham; Robert and Laura Duffy; Daniel and Andrew McDonald, Meaghan Doto, Melissa Africano, Jessica, John, David, and Sean McDonald; and David, Matthew, and Jen Susca; as well as her great-grandchildren, James, William, Molly, Benjamin, Madison, and David McDonald; Amelia and Michael Doto; and Sydney Africano.

Ruth’s funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield, on Tuesday, January 6, at 10:00 AM. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Monday, January 5, from 3:00-6:00 PM.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Ruth’s name to the William T. and Ruth McDonald Scholarship at The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield, Inc. checks may be made payable to TSF of Wakefield and mailed to P.O. Box 321, Wakefield MA 01880. https://tsfofwakefield.org/donate/