Marianne “Ruth” (Hanigan) Peck

Marianne “Ruth” (Hanigan) Peck, died peacefully at the age of 88, on August 6, 2023, after a day surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 19, 1935, Ruth grew up in West Roxbury and was raised by a single mother after the early death of her father. Her family later moved to Duxbury. Ruth attended Notre Dame Academy as well as Boston State Teacher College, where she received a degree in Early Education. On July 20, 1957, she married Wallace C. Peck and settled in Norwell at their beloved 227 Grove Street, where they lived and raised their children for almost 60 years. Ruth was born to be a teacher and she held many positions in education over the years, impacting many young minds. Her teaching career ended at Sparrell School in Norwell after receiving a permanent position as a beloved fourth grade teacher.

Ruth was a wonderful conversationalist as well as a person, who passionately enjoyed many hobbies. She was an avid reader of books but her passion was the Boston Globe, which she faithfully read on a daily basis and always in hard copy. She was an amazing entertainer, hosting several holidays and special occasions. Her annual New Year’s Day parties were epic, with friends and family still speaking of them today. She was known for her large assortment of Christmas cookies as well as her biscotti. Ruth was a prolific knitter, outfitting all members of the family with Irish knit sweaters and blankets, scarves and mittens galore, as well as her Iceland wool sweaters. In retirement, both Ruth and Wally enjoyed traveling to many places, especially a lifelong dream trip to Japan to visit our exchange student Miho Omi, who has remained a close friend for almost 50 years.

Ruth was a proud woman. She was proud of her husband and his accomplishments. She was proud of her hometown of Norwell, Massachusetts. She was proud to be a teacher. She was proud of her beliefs and moral standards. Most importantly, she was proud of her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her three beloved children and spouses Alison and James Elsman of Denville, New Jersey, David and Sonia Peck of Dennis, Massachusetts, and Jonathan and Gail Peck of Pembroke, Massachusetts. Ruth was blessed with seven cherished grandchildren, whom she loved unconditionally with all her heart: Ryan and Jonathan Elsman, Haley, Lauren, and Andrew Peck, and Aidan and Sophia Peck. Predeceased by her brother William Thomas Hanigan, Ruth is survived by her two sister-in-laws Barbara Hanigan of Duxbury, MA and Wanda Michalowski of West Roxbury, MA.

Family was everything to her and she passed this belief on to her children. To have known Ruth was a true blessing. She was gifted with the art of gab and possessed the innate ability to make one feel like they were the only one in a room. As a wife, teacher, friend, mother, and grandmother, she left many lasting impressions on people that will last their lifetimes.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4-7 PM at the Sullivan Funeral Homes, 551 Washington Street, Route 53, Hanover. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 AM at the Resurrection Church, 1057 Main Street, Route 228, Hingham. Burial to follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Autumn Hospice, 454 Washington Street, Norwell, MA 02061 or My Brother’s Keeper 534 Washington Street, North Easton, MA 02356.