Ruth McGaughan Dowling was born on May 27, 1926 in Kearny, NJ to Frank and Elizabeth McGaughan. After meeting her future husband Charles at her sister's wedding, they were married in 1947 and settled in Flatbush before moving to Clifton, Staten Island in 1954 where she lived until her death.
Ruth was a parishioner of St. Mary's Church Rosebank for many years prior to its closing. She was very active with the parish, sending all of her children to the elementary school, and was a long-time member of the Altar Rosary Society and the St. Mary's School Mothers' Club. Ruth was also an enthusiastic member of the Secular Franciscan Order, the Mothers' Clubs of Curtis and Monsignor Farrell High Schools and volunteered with the Girl Scouts of the USA.
As a breast cancer survivor, she also volunteered with the American Cancer Society. She was employed for more than 30 years with the Board of Elections and also worked on the U.S. censuses.
In all the things Ruth did for family and community, she brought a humor, kindness and love to all of her family, neighbors and so many, many friends. All will miss the gentle faith in God, constant hope for people around her and boundless charity in the everyday kindnesses she brought to life - both hers and all whom she touched.
Ruth was predeceased in 2003 by her husband of 56 years, Charlie, and her eldest son, Charles III, in 2001. She is survived by four sons, Thomas (TJ) (Virginia), Peter (Jeanne), Wyatt (Tina) and Chris (Sandy) and two daughters, Kathleen Ilardi (Anthony) and Nancy Swanson (Keith). She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Visitors may pay their respects on Friday, October 30th from 4-8 PM at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY. The funeral service will be held at St. Charles' Church, 644 Clawson St., Oakwood, SI, NY 10306 on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 9:15 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society
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