Ruth Counihan Mooney

Ruth Counihan Mooney died peacefully on February 15, 2019 at the age of 105. She was born on April 13, 1913 to William and Mary Counihan. Ruth was blessed with a long , happy and productive life. She and her siblings, William, Louise, and Leta Butler, suffered the loss of their mother at a very young age. A born nurturer, Ruth was extremely protective of her siblings and continued to be throughout their lives.
Ruth entered Homeopathic Hospital School of Nursing after graduating from Pawtucket High School in 1931. From there she entered a long gratifying career as a registered nurse at Homeopathic and Miriam Hospitals, retiring at the age of 72.
It was at Miriam that Ruth met her love, Lawrence Mooney. They married soon after and had three children; Kathryn O’Keefe of Newport, Rhode Island; Michael Mooney of Attleboro, Massachusetts and Terry (partner to Lulu Kiley) of Mystic, Connecticut and Block Island, Rhode Island. In addition to her children, Ruth is survived by her eight grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.
Ruth was happiest when surrounded by her family. A beloved matriarch, she was devoted, bossy, witty, generous and resilient. She loved giving advice and always tried to be up on the latest fashions, celebrity doings and politics.
Ruth enjoyed travel and did most of it during her 80’s and 90’s. She especially enjoyed going to California to visit grandchildren. Other interests included musical theater, dancing and sunsets on Block Island. She was also a voracious reader of all types of books.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence in 1972. She was also predeceased by her son in law Brian O’Keefe. Sadly her daughter in law, Paula Mooney passed away unexpectedly on February 10th. The family is devastated by the sudden loss of these two lovely women.
Ruth will be dearly missed by her beloved niece, Tracy Butler and all family members. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the caring staff of Orchard View Manor for helping make her final years comfortable.
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial for Ruth on Tuesday, February 19th at 11:00 am in Holy Family Parish Church, Walcott Street, Pawtucket. Her calling hours will be Tuesday morning from 9:30 am until 10:30 am in the Manning-Heffern Funeral Home, 68 Broadway, Pawtucket. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hope Hospice & Palliative Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, R.I. 02904