Teacher, gardener and creative maker of greeting cards

MELROSE — Ruth Elizabeth Ticcioni, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 2 at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. She was 76 years old.

Ruth was born in Malden on July 8, 1946, the daughter of William Zolner and Elizabeth (Calandrin) Zolner. She was raised in North Reading and Beverly. Ruth married Daniel Ticcioni on November 6, 1976 and settled in Melrose. Ruth was a dedicated and creative elementary school teacher in North Haven, Connecticut and Beverly before leaving her profession and taking great pride and joy in raising her children, Elizabeth and Michael. She later worked as a librarian and teaching aide at St. Mary’s in Melrose.

Ruth had an indomitable spirit and was a true, loyal and giving friend, an innate nurturer and insightful counselor to many. She was an ardent gardener and prolific and creative maker of greeting cards. Ruth was an avid fan of women’s basketball, and in particular, the women’s teams from Bentley and Tufts. She loved the peaceful beauty of Panther Pond in Raymond, Maine, where she and Dan maintained a cottage for over forty years. She enjoyed spending time with family and community there and the red eyes of loons seen from her kayak. Ruth was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Ruth was the beloved wife of Daniel Ticcioni, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Elizabeth Ticcioni and her husband Craig Noto of Melrose and Michael Ticcioni and his wife Stephanie Ticcioni of Beverly. Loving grandmother of James Noto and Lillian Noto of Melrose; and Benjamin Ticcioni and Alexander Ticcioni of Beverly. Survived by sister Joanne Zolner and her husband Wayne Roberge of New York; brother William Zolner and his wife Elaine Zolner of Michigan; and brother Stephen Zolner and his wife Vicki Moore of Utah.

Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Monday, June 12 from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by a brief memorial service at 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mass Audubon, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 or Bread of Life Food Pantry, 214 Commercial St., Ste. 209, Malden, MA 02148. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.