Ruth Elizabeth Souza

Born on May 20, 1943 in New Bedford, MA, Ruth was the daughter of the late John S. Dunn and Elizabeth H. (Betty) Dunn. She is survived by her husband of 49+ years, Paul V. Souza; two sons, John M. Souza (wife, Amy) of Issaquah, WA and Paul V. Souza, Jr. (wife, Jobeth) of Clemmons, NC; three beloved grandchildren, Noah Souza of Issaquah, WA and Evan and Karabeth Souza of Clemmons, NC; as well as her sister, Louise Hammann of Amherst, MA.

Ruth graduated from Lasell College and Tufts University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education/Child Studies. Ruth loved educating young children - teaching elementary and preschool children at public and private schools in Tiverton, RI; Dartmouth, MA; Williamsburg, VA; Asheville, NC; and Charlotte, NC. Prior to her retirement in 2007, she was a pre-school teacher for approximately 10 years at the Weekday School at the Little Church on the Lane in Charlotte.

Ruth was an avid reader, volunteered in various community and church activities, and loved the arts. Ruth was happiest when being involved with family, particularly spending time and participating in activities with each of her grandchildren. She was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and Carolina Panthers.

A memorial service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 1st at the Little Church on the Lane, 522 Moravian Lane, Charlotte, NC 28207. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a memorial gift in the name of Ruth Elizabeth Souza to the Little Church on the Lane (http://www.littlechurchonthelane.com/) or to Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region (http://www.hpccr.org/).