Ruth Wilkinson

Ruth C Wilkinson, daughter of the late Esther (Cannon) and Martin McDonald died peacefully at home in Ogunquit, ME on March 24, 2026. Ruth was a graduate of Lynn English High School. Starting as an old-time operator, she was employed by the telephone company for over 40 years through mergers, name changes, and job assignments. Prior to her retirement, she spent her final years busing into the Boston Office. While there she fearlessly led her co-workers through a successful union organizing campaign.

Ruth was married to the late Thomas A Wilkinson, Jr. with whom she was married for 66 years. Ruth leaves behind four loving children and their spouses: Thomas A. Wilkinson (Katie) of Fairfield, CT; Donna O’Malley (Dan Clement) of Wakefield, NH; Beth A. Colgan (Sean) of Foxfield, CO; Brendan Wilkinson (Paula Caradonna) of Lynn, MA; nine grandchildren: Shea Coppola, Paul Beath, Molly Wilkinson, Jack Wilkinson, Tommy Wilkinson, Kerby Colgan, Grady Colgan, Megan Wilkinson, and Lauren Wilkinson; four great grandchildren: Kaye, Cas, Lachlan, and Saylor. Ruth is predeceased by her brother Joseph McDonald and her sister Mary Gardner.

Ruth lived her life through others; their happiness was her happiness. Her driving force was her Catholic faith and family. Ruth and Tom moved to Ogunquit, ME in 2001. There they embraced everything the beautiful town offered, especially enjoying the beach. There’s no place like home though, her heart never left the great City of Lynn. Ruth was upbeat and alert throughout her physical challenges. She loved following politics at the national level and most often let her feelings bluntly known. She loved her family beyond words, and she was loved and cared for in return. Ruth had a wonderful life and because of her, so did many others. She will be missed.

The Family welcome guests on Saturday March 28, from 9:30-10:30am in Cuffe McGinn Funeral Home, Lynn, MA. Funeral Mass at 11:00am at St. Pius V Church, Lynn. Burial following service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lynn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in honor of Ruth’s name to the Lynn Home for Elderly Persons, One Atlantic Terrace, Lynn, MA 01902.