Margaret Anita Ruggles

Margaret Anita (Beauregard) Ruggles, age 84, passed away in the Maples Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Wrentham, Massachusetts on Friday, December 7, 2018.  Born in Brownington, Vermont on January 10, 1934, she was the daughter of the late George and Irvina (Freehart) Beauregard.  She spent her early years in Brownington and Orleans, Vermont, before settling with her family in Roxbury, Massachusetts at the age of 11, during World War II.  After about a year in Roxbury, Margaret’s family moved to the Town of Franklin, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Franklin High School with the Class of 1951.  Margaret took a position with the Medfield State Hospital, working as an X-ray technician, just after graduation.

 

Margaret married her beloved husband, David E. Ruggles, on April 12, 1953 in Hingham, Massachusetts.  The young couple made their home together in Franklin and later purchased their home in Walpole, Massachusetts in 1962, where Margaret took on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her young family.  As her four daughters grew up, Margaret returned to work, taking a position at Foxborough State Hospital.  While working at the hospital, she took classes to earn her LPN, allowing her to take a position at the Norfolk Prison.  While working at the prison, Margaret began taking classes at Newton Junior College towards her RN Associates Degree, which she earned in 1974, graduating with honors.  After earning her RN, she left the Norfolk Prison to take a position with the American Red Cross, working various blood drives across Massachusetts with the Blood Mobile.  She retired from the Red Cross in 1993, after 19 years of dedicated service to the communities of Massachusetts.  Following her retirement, Margaret and David moved to Inverness, Florida, to enjoy themselves in a warmer climate.  They returned to Walpole in 2006, to be closer to their family.  

 

Throughout her life, Margaret enjoyed gardening and floral design work.  She was a member of the gardening club in Inverness, Florida, earning several awards for her arrangements.  Back at home in Walpole, she was a strong member of the South Walpole United Methodist Church.  She sang in the choir for over 30 years, served as Lay Leader, and was a member of the United Methodist Women.  In addition, she is credited for starting the church newsletter, and Polly’s Bakery at the Church Fair.  Most of all, Margaret loved being surrounded by her family.  She and David enjoyed taking car trips together and in their younger years enjoyed a cross country road trip with their four daughters.  Family reunions were always a big to do with Margaret, as she spent countless hours preparing for the annual summer cookout at their home.  In addition, she loved planning and hosting the family Christmas party every December.

 

Beloved wife of David E. Ruggles.

Loving mother of Dianne R. Langer and her husband Keith G. of Wrentham, Sharon A. Gunn of Milford, Laureen M. McKeown and her husband Francis X. of Franklin, and Gail B. Carleton of Franklin.

 

Cherished grandmother of Derek P. Murdock and his wife Caitlyn of Goffstown, New Hampshire, Joshua L. Murdock and his wife Amanda of York, Pennsylvania, and the late Darren S. Carleton and great grandmother of Gavan R. Murdock and Brenna S. Murdock.

Sister of Elaine Spencer of North Carolina, Nancy Hartford of Millville, Kenneth Beauregard of Franklin, the late Jeannette Ford, the late Martha Roy, and the late Francis Beauregard.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to visiting hours on Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 2 to 6 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Funeral Service celebrating her life will be held in the South Walpole United Methodist Church, 1886 Washington Street, South Walpole on Monday, December 17, 2018 at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow in Terrace Hill Cemetery in South Walpole.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the South Walpole United Methodist Church, Ruggles Family Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 144, South Walpole, MA 02071.