Obituary of Ruth Townsend

Ruth Ida Townsend, age 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Ruthlived together with her son Richard, daughter-in-law Allison, and her grandson, Richard-Matthew in their home in Baldwin, New York. Ruth was born on February 17, 1929 in Richmond Hill, NY. She was the daughter of Ida and Martin Fleetwood and grew up in St. Albans, NY. She was a sweet little girl that fell in love with the boy next door, unbeknownst to this young fellow who went off to war, while she was still a young lady. Edward Townsend returned home from service, beholden by his neighbor, who had grown up to be a beautiful
woman. The two fell in love, she had captured his heart, and Ruth married her childhood sweetheart, Edward Joseph Townsend on October 9 th , 1949. They raised two wonderful children, Richard and Susan who learned the value of family ties and the importance of staying close and enjoying life and its precious gift to us. 

While her husband was hard at work to provide for their family, she was a stay-at-home mom and raised her children, staying involved in their lives, by participating in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She was always present for her children. Later in life, she spent many years donating her time and service to the American Cancer Society. As her children grew to be young adults, their friends would spend hours at her kitchen table, or on the porch by the pool, laughing and sharing life events. She left an imprint on the hearts of their friends, because of the way she
opened her home and always invited them to share a meal. Ruth lived life through simple pleasures and had an uncanny ability to reach people through her stories and the way she could recall the events of life.

She loved her family, spending outings with her brother-in-law Raymond in Pennsylvania and Rick, or with her niece Carol and her husband Paul and their family. She would say, “I have no regrets.” She made wonderful friends and loved being with her family. Her life was about creating lasting memories that would matter.

Every mother desires to have a little girl, and raising Susan was Ruth’s pride and joy. She was a shy young lady that hid behind her mother in her childhood years. Ruth helped Susan emerge sending her to a private high school enabling her to surface and realize the strong woman she can be. Ruth’s love, strength and emotional support provided Susan the stability she needed to become the person she is today; passionate for life, the people she meets and the world she
lives in. When Susan met her companion for life Vic, Ruth embraced this a terrific guy, and appreciated the kindness and care he provided her daughter. This gave her peace knowing her daughter found a lifelong love the way she did.

Her son Richard married Allison Townsend on September 30 th , 1990 and mom looked absolutely beautiful in her creamy peach dress suit. She always had a way of putting clothes together and was sure her children were dressed in classic outfits. 

The joy of her life came when she became a grandmother to Richard-Matthew. His middle name was Fleetwood, after Ruth’s maiden name to bring her pride, since she didn’t have any brothers to carry on her family name. She spent years doting over and priding herself in her grandson, making him feel proud of himself and his musical abilities. She attended all his school recitals and came to his performances when he formed a band as a young adult. Even at 94 she would attend and could be seen sitting on the front row, clapping her hands and singing
as he played. Her presence meant the world to him.]

Her daughter-in-law Allison, being a nurse was able to care for Ruth during the time she was staying at their home. They shared many conversations but the most endearing was just days before she passed away when Ruth called Allison to her bedside and told her that she had a dream and she saw Jesus. As tears streamed down her face, she said, “He told me he loves me. I believe in him Allison. I believe in him. I’m not afraid to die anymore.” Allison sobbed with her at the bedside as she thought of the song, Amazing Grace… I was blind but now I see.” 

Richard was Ruth’s first child, and the last 4 years of her life she came to live with her son. The family played games at the kitchen table and her competitive nature was fun to watch. She loved her Crazy Eights and Parcheesi and would send you home any chance she could get. She gave life all she could persevering through much physical pain and many adversities. Her son Richard loved her and at the hour of her passing his mother looked intently at him as he held her hand and reassured her that he loved her and was with her until the end. Richard looked athis mom and said, “Mom, it was just you and me at the beginning of my life, and it’s just you and me again. I’m here for you mom. You’ve been a great mom and I love you. Before she passed, her daughter was able to call to tell her she loved her and appreciated the life she gave to her and for teaching her to enjoy life to its fullest. When all had said their goodbyes, she slipped off into the arms of Jesus.

We would like to honor the life of her husband Eddie, and her older sister, Doris, that passed on before her, and were awaiting her journey home with them in Heaven.

Visitation will be between 0845: am – 10:00am on Monday, March 4, 2024 at William E. Law, Inc., 1 Jerusalem Avenue, Massapequa, New York, 11578.

The service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 4 th at Saint Mary of the Isle Roman Catholic Church, 315 East Walnut Street, Long Beach, New York 11561 with Father Steven McClernon Officiating.

The burial services will be on Monday, March 11, 2024 at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735.