Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on February 15 1932, Ruth was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mae Maher. She was raised in Wilkes-Barre as the youngest of 11 children. Ruth graduated from St. Mary's High School in Wilkes-Barre in 1950. Soon after graduating Ruth went out on her own and moved to Kearney NJ and took a job at Western Electric where she met a number of life long friends.
Ruth married the late John (Jack) F Halligan in 1956. They began their life together in Jersey City NJ. As the family grew they along with their four children moved to Port Reading Jr. Ruth was a communicant at St. Anthony's RC Church in Port Reading for other 20 years.
Ruth was devoted to the upbringing and care of her children. In addition Ruth's mother and mother in law moved in with the family as she selflessly assisted with their care. In 1986 Ruth along with her husband (Jack) and youngest daughter (Jackie) retired to Florida and resided at The Township in Coconut Creek.
The family wants to acknowledge and thank the staff and the Woodlands at John Knox Village for the outstanding care Ruth received there over the last seven years.
ruth was very close to all of her children and remained an integral part of their lives. She particularly enjoyed the time she was able to spend with her four grandchildren. Ruth enjoyed going on cruises and was quite a dancer. She was also the Queen of Bingo at John Knox.
Predeceased by her devoted husband (Jack) of 60 years (2016), her father Joseph (1941), mother Mae (1975) and all of her siblings.
Ruth is survived by her four children: Kevin Halligan and his with Kathy (Hazlet NJ), Dennis Halligan and his wife Shirley (Austin TX), Cathy O'Donnell and Rick Donas (Sebastian FL) and Jacqueline Biffis along with her husband Russell. ruth is also survived by her four grandchildren: Carina, Brooke, John and Sean.
A wake will be held at Kraeer-Becker funeral home, 217 E. Hillsboro Blvd Deerfield Beach FL on Thursday August 27 from 5-7PM/ A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 380 S Federal Highway Deerfield Beach FL 33441 followed by interment at Our Lady Queen Of Heaven Cemetery 1400 S State Rd 7, North Lauderdale FL 33068.
In Lieu of flowers, please send your donations to Ruth's favorite Charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
