Obituary of Ruth Christine Grady

Naples, FL and Topsfield, MA: Ruth Christine (Donovan) Grady, 83, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2021. Ruth was born in Marblehead and grew up in Peabody, Massachusetts. She graduated from St. John the Baptist elementary and high school in Peabody and then went on to Trinity College in Washington, D.C. (Class of 1958) and received her Bachelor of Arts where she majored in Economics. She taught at the South Memorial Elementary School in Peabody. In 1961, Ruth married Thomas Grady and moved to Topsfield where they raised their 6 children. Ruth was a woman of great faith and she had a passion for community service and religion and was very active at the St. Rose of Lima parish where she taught CCD for many years. Ruth volunteered with many organizations with Catholic Charities, St. Elizabeth Seton Church (Naples, FL), and most recently, the Sunlight Home for at risk women and teens in Naples. Ruth was very athletic and loved the spirit of competition. You could find her on the golf course at Salem or Wyndemere Country Club, and on tennis courts, softball fields, skiing, and skating. Ruth loved the beach, reading, doing crosswords, playing bridge, traveling, and watching the Bruins, the Red Sox, and the Patriots (yes, she was rooting for Tom Brady). You could find Ruthie on a rainy day listening to music in the kitchen sharing her joy of baking with her children and grandchildren … her brownies and chocolate chip cookies cannot be topped. Ruth loved going to and hosting parties for her family and friends. Ruth was a loyal friend and cherished her friendships. When you had a conversation with Ruth, she would devote her entire attention to you, ask questions about you, she really cared about your answers; and you left feeling heard, understood, and loved. Tradition was everything to Ruth. Thanksgivings meant being together with small thoughtful conversations that drew laughter and comfort. Christmas Eves meant singing Joy to the World in front of the creche before going to bed. Easters were chocolate packed hunts. We all felt special and loved. She was so generous, kind, and loving. Most of all though, Ruth loved her family and going to all their activities as their biggest cheerleader. She cared for her wonderful family with grace, kindness, and unconditional love. She is leaving quite a legacy of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The many memories we have of Ruth are blessings in the days moving forward. Ruth was loved dearly by her family. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Thomas A. Grady, of Topsfield, MA; and, her children, Dr. Thomas A. Grady, Jr. (Carolyn) of Fayetteville, NY, Edward L. Grady (MaryBeth) of Topsfield, MA, Susan R. Grady of Danvers, MA, Elizabeth Lyons Duffy (Robert) of Darien, CT, and Sarah Ruth Grady of Middleton, MA; she was predeceased by her son, Stephen A. Grady. Also, Ruth is survived by 10 grandchildren, Kaitlin Kilbride, Edward Grady, Reagan Parrott, Samuel Grady, Robert Duffy, Nicholas Duffy, Thomas Duffy, Mary Duffy, Patrick Grady, and Ryan Grady; as well as 7 great grandchildren, Tessa Grady, Genevieve Kilbride, Thomas Kilbride, Parker Grady, Samuel Grady, Jr., Henry Parrott, and Edward Kilbride; and her loving sisters, Mary L. Gilligan and Virginia M. Ryan. Ruth was predeceased by her son, Stephen A. Grady, her grandson, Thomas Duffy, and her brother, Edward L. Donovan. Visiting hours shall be at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street, Peabody on Thursday, February 25th, from 4:00-7:00 pm. A Mass celebrating the life of Ruth will be on Friday, February 26th, at 12:00 noon at St. Rose of Lima Church, 12 Park Street, Topsfield, followed by a burial service at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Topsfield which relatives and friends are invited to attend. All attendees are required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Catholic Charities.