Obituaries

Helen Ann (O’Boyle) Ruddy, age 87, a lifelong resident of Scranton and formerly of the Jackson Heights Apartments, died Thursday evening at Green Ridge Care Center. She was preceded in death in 1979 by her former husband, John Ruddy. Born on May 18, 1926, daughter of the late Joseph and Nellie Christopher O’Boyle, Helen attended West Scranton High School before working as a shoe saleswoman for the former B. Levy & Sons of Scranton for over 22 years. Her employment history also included Scranton Dry Goods and Roy Stauffer’s Welding. Helen had an amazing voice and loved singing. A member of the West Scranton Senior Citizens and the Big Band Club, she enjoyed dancing and was an avid bingo player. Of Roman Catholic faith, she was a longtime member of St. Lucy’s Church in West Scranton. A loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, she will be forever missed.
She is survived by her four daughters, Ann Griffin and husband Carl of Schnecksville, Diane Ruddy of Scranton, Debbie Dustan of Barricksville, West Virginia, and Cheryle Barth and husband Dale of Scranton; eight grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren; a dear and personal friend, John Ryan of Pittston, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Peggy McCarrick and Mary Ryan.
Her family would like to express their gratitude to the amazing staffs of both Green Ridge Health Center and Hospice Community Care as well as Dr. Nicholas Dodge and his nurse, Sandy Newcombe, for the collective care given to Helen throughout the years.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday at 9:30AM at St. Lucy’s Church, 949 Scranton Street in West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Sam J. Ferretti, Pastor, and Deacon Carmine Mendicino. Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Sunday between 1-3:00PM at the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s name to H.C.C., 385 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704.