Ruth (Kesler) DeAngelis

Ruth (Kesler) DeAngelis, of Georgetown, also known fondly as “Mrs. D” “Ruthless” and “Auntie Tootie” passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2021. She had recently attained the age of 93…a goal she set for herself and was celebrated in true pandemic fashion with a surprise “drive-by” birthday parade.
 
Ruth was born in Chelsea, MA, the daughter of the late Frank and Edwina (Kirmelewicz) Kesler. She attended Chelsea schools graduating from Chelsea High School in 1946. While at CHS Ruth was a football cheerleader which helped showcase her 15 years of dance and acrobatic training as she was often featured during half time performances.
 
Following graduation, Ruth went to work at Chelsea Savings Bank and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Upon moving to Georgetown, she was employed for 28 years by the Georgetown School Department technically as secretary to the principal, however, there was never any doubt that she ran the office. Just ask anyone (there are many) who received a “pass” for being tardy with a “stern” warning to be “early” next time or those that served their detention sitting in the office sharing candy from the jar on her desk.
 
Ruth enjoyed many things…especially time spent with family and friends, road trips to Virginia and Florida, and summers in Ogunquit. She was an accomplished pianist and a voracious reader. She loved cooking and collecting recipes, thimble collecting, and gardening. She had the ultimate green thumb and could resurrect even the most pitiful plant. She loved all animals large and small who shared their lives with her including Sally, the 3lb goldfish. Honestly, she preferred animals to most people!
 
Ruth was extremely proud of her Lithuanian heritage. She made sure these traditions were part of holiday gatherings especially during Christmas Eve when potato pancakes and potato kugelis shared the table with the Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes and ornaments made from straw hung on the tree.
 
Ruth was predeceased by her husband, John W. DeAngelis, Jr., son, John DeAngelis, III and son-in-law Anthony Coppola. She is survived by her daughter Karen Coppola of Georgetown, grandson Dr. Nicholas Valentini and his fiancée Alice Symington of Michigan, sister and brother-in-law Diane and Lawrence Thoreson of Georgetown, nephew Lawrence Thoreson, his wife Christine and family of Newburyport, niece Danielle Bowen, her husband Hugh and family of Maine, as well as many other beloved family and friends. 
 
Out of concern for the COVID pandemic and with respect to all who would have attended services and expressed their sympathy in person, Ruth has requested that services be private and extends the Lithuanian greeting “tavo sveikatai” (to your health) to all.
 
Donations in her memory can be made to Merrimack River Feline Rescue, 63 Elm Street Salisbury, MA 01952 so that other rescue cats, like her beloved feral cat, “Tori” can enjoy the love of a family.
For those who wish to share a memory of Ruth to her family, please visit www.cgfuneralhomegeorgetown.com
The Conte - Giamberardino Funeral Home, 14 Pleasant Street, Georgetown has been entrusted with Ruth's care.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth (Kesler) DeAngelis, please visit our floral store.