Published in the August 19, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Ruth P. (Mallon) Worthylake, 82, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 12, at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading.
Born in Malden on March 16, 1934, Ruth was one six children of the late Edward and Marjorie C. (Schofield) Mallon. Raised in Malden, she graduated from Girls Catholic School and worked for Miller Insurance in Malden for over 30 years.
Ruth was married to Alfred Goulette for several years and raised three sons in Medford and Malden. In 1986, she was married to James W. Worthylake and settled in Melrose to share many more happy years together.
In their free time, they enjoyed traveling together, going on cruises and especially loved trips along the coast of Maine. Ruth enjoyed being near the ocean whether escaping the New England winter in Zephyrhills, Fla. or visiting Boothbay Harbor or Hampton Beach with her family during the summer. When not traveling, she enjoyed reading a book, playing Sudoku, knitting, crocheting and for many years was a parishioner of St. Mary Church in Melrose.
Ruth was a dear, beloved friend to many and an empathetic listener to family and friends alike. Her inner kindness came through as she offered a patient ear to anyone in need. As good of a listener as she was, she also loved to laugh and enjoyed a little sarcasm. With her pleasant, friendly personality, Ruth was well-loved and always found a group of friends whether in Malden, Melrose or Florida.
Above all else, Ruth was devoted to her family. She cherished any time spent with her grandchildren, was always close to her five siblings and for many years loved cooking and entertaining everyone at their house on Grove Street. Ruth lived her life with kindness and grace and quietly set an example as a caring, humble matriarch of the family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Ruth was the beloved wife of the late James W. Worthylake with whom she shared many years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Richard S. Goulette and his wife Kristine of Tewksbury, Wayne E. Goulette and his wife Ann of Wakefield, the late Gerald P. Goulette and his surviving wife Kathleen of Malden, and stepmother of James Worthylake and his wife Jenny of New Zealand and Gerry Worthylake and his wife Cindy of Lynn. She was the dear sister of James Mallon and his wife Cora of Reading, Robert Mallon and his late wife Rose of Stoneham, Nancy Martinson and her late husband Max of California, the late Mary “Peggy” Collins, and the late William Mallon and his surviving wife Beverly of Southborough. She was the cherished grandmother of Katelyn, Richard and his wife Alexis, Lindsay and her fiancé Jeff, Mark, Sam, Lauren, Ashley and Alicia. She was the loving great-grandmother of Shayne, Aidan, Chloe, Makenzie and Harrison. She was the caring aunt of Patty and Kathy and many other nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Ruth’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, Aug. 16, from 4-8 p.m., and again on Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose for her funeral Mass celebrated at 10:15 a.m. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
Gifts in Ruth’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown MA 02472.
For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
