Ruth Towle McWilliam, 86, of Tampa, died peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones on October 31, 2019. Born on January 24, 1933, in Springfield, Massachusetts to Vernon and Rachel (née Wilson) Towle, she was raised in Peterborough, New Hampshire where she excelled at ballet, swimming, and basketball. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire and met her husband, Tom, in Denver, Colorado as she and her college roommate travelled to the West Coast. Ruth dedicated her life to her family. She was self-employed as an accountant and worked until her time of death. Her clients held an important place in her life.
She was preceded in death by Thomas Henry McWilliam, her husband of 52 years; Thomas Henry McWilliam, Jr. and Edward Towle McWilliam, her sons; and Henry Edward McWilliam her grandson (son of James and Cassie). She is survived by Catherine “Caki” Rinaldo, her husband Nicholas, and their children Anthony, Nicole, and Francesca; James McWilliam, his wife Cassie, and their daughter Cate; and Nell Gutman (wife of Thomas Jr.) and their children Halley and Lily.
A requiem mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 South Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Friday, November 8, 2019, at 2 pm. The family will be receiving friends afterwards at Palma Ceia Country Club from 3-5 pm. The family requests donations be made to In lieu of Renew Haiti, c/o Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609.
