PEABODY – Mrs. Ruth M. (West) Connolly, 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 26th, 2023 at Rosewood Nursing Home in Peabody. She was the loving wife of John P. Connolly, Jr. with whom she celebrated 38 years of marriage.

Born in Swampscott, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Kathleen (Collins) West. Raised and educated in Lynn, Ruth graduated from Lynn English High School.

In her younger years she was extremely active with Peabody politics, and even held rallies at her home during the Kennedy Presidential election. Ruth was very artistic, teaching ceramics and painting. She had a knack for water colors and oils, and many of her pieces stand on display in her family's homes. Ruth also had a special place in her heart for dogs, and bred Cocker Spaniels, Great Danes, and Irish Setters for many years. She also had a love for planting, and would spend countless hours in her greenhouse. Extremely active, Ruth was always busy with something. Whether it be raising her family, going for long walks on Lynn Beach, her daily swims at the YMCA, or her various community projects.

Faith was an important part of Ruth's life. She was a parishioner of St. Adelaide's Church and St. John the Baptist Church, both of Peabody. Mrs. Connolly was also a member of the A.O.H. Division 11 in Peabody and a strong supporter for the Home For Little Wonderers and the March of Dimes.

Most of all, Ruth was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Ruth is survived by her daughters; Kathleen Connolly of Rochester, NH, and Joan Pohle of Danvers, along with grandchildren; William Fanning Jr. and his wife, Meghan, Stephen Fanning, Erin Thorpe and her husband, Justin, Katelyn Tucker, and Lauren Smalley and her husband, Steven, and 10 great-grandchildren.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her services will be private. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte. 62) DANVERS. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Care Dimensions at https://www.caredimensions.org/ or at 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

Care Dimensions
75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers MA 01923
Web: https://www.caredimensions.org/