Obituary of Kathleen M. "Kathy" (Whitmore) Ruddock

Kathleen Mary (Whitmore) Ruddock 46 years, of Amesbury formerly of Peabody, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday morning November 14, 2005 at the Anna Jaques Hospital following a courageous battle with Lymphoma. She was the loving wife of Mark E. Ruddock with whom she shared 23 years of marriage. Born in Salem and raised in Peabody, she was the daughter of Janet (Sullivan) Whitmore of Peabody and the late Robert C. Whitmore. She attended St. John the Baptist School and graduated from Peabody High School Class of 1978. Mrs. Ruddock was employed for many years as a Sales Associate at Kmart in Newburyport and most recently at Cumberland Farms in Amesbury until her health declined in January, 2005. Kathleen enjoyed music, crossword puzzles, gardening, sports, baking for her family and was an avid hockey mom. Her passion in life however was being a mother to her 2 children, Ryan P. Ruddock and Kristen M. Ruddock of Amesbury. Her love for them and her boundless pride in their many accomplishments brought her tremendous joy. My children are my finest accomplishments in this life, she said recently as she reflected on her life. She was a strong, courageous and loving woman and all who had the honor of being touched by her life will sadly miss her. In addition to her husband, mother and children, Kathleen leaves 3 sisters and their spouses, Laureen and Michael Sandler of Seabrook NH, Linda and Roger Jeffords of Darlington SC and Karen and Christopher Matthews of Fremont NH; a dear aunt, Joyce Jordan of Peabody; several cousins, nieces and nephews. Pre deceased by her dear uncle Russ Jordan. Her funeral will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 20 Church St. location. Peabody followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Wednesday 4 to 8 p.m. Burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Kathleen M. Ruddock Scholarship Fund, C/O T.D. Banknorth, NA, 150 Main St., Amesbury MA 01913.