MELROSE — Ruth E. “Ruthie” Berrigan (Marinelli) of Melrose died peacefully on June 30, 2021 at the Bear Hill Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Stoneham, she was the eldest daughter of Dominick Marinelli and Katherine Marinelli (Zanni). Wife of 52 years to William E. “Bill” Berrigan and loving mother of Christine Brady and her husband, Sean, of Melrose; Paul Berrigan and his wife, Erin, of Wenham and Michael Berrigan of Astoria, NY. Ruth was the world’s best nana to her cherished grandchildren, Kendall, Keira, Griffin, Liam and Ruby. Caring sister of Rose Marie Lauro and her late husband, Robert, of Billerica and John Marinelli and his late wife, Fran, of Melrose. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Ruth grew up in both Reading and Malden, graduating from Malden High School in 1958. She and her close-knit circle of lifelong high school friends gathered regularly for lunch, movies and chats about their families. A resident of Melrose for nearly 50 years, Ruth was near and dear to her neighbors in the Highview Avenue area. She enjoyed casinos with her sister and dropping small amounts of money into the slot machines, as well as visiting her brother in both NH and FL.
Ruth doted on her family and was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren, hosting large family dinners with her award winning meatballs and spending time with “the kids” at her lake house in Milton, NH. An animal lover, she adored her many “fur babies,” especially her beloved dachshunds, Murphy and Riley. Ruth will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visiting Hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Saturday, July 3, 2021 from 8:30-10 a.m., followed by a mass of Christian burial at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Stoneham. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
