Tribute & Message From The Family
Ruth E. (Traniello) Dolaher, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at age 82.
Ruth was born in Malden on December 7, 1937, one of three children of the late Mario and Blanche (Gooby) Traniello. Raised and educated in Somerville, Ruth was married on October 11, 1959 to Edward F. Dolaher and they settled in Melrose to raise a large family of 7 children. While raising her children, Ruth worked at several local bakeries as a cake decorator for many years. For a period of time, she also worked in the cafeteria at the Coolidge School in Melrose and as a Nurse's Aid at the Elmhurst Nursing Home.
Ruth was a happy, family-oriented woman who dedicated herself to providing unconditional love and support to her family and friends. With an open door, she often served as a "second mom" to her children's friends, and always had enough food for anyone and everyone. For Ruth, it was always "the more the merrier."
Always on the go, she loved playing Bingo! and was a frequent volunteer at the Milano Senior Center, and Peabody Senior Center. She also enjoyed bus trips to Foxwoods for more Bingo! In her free time, she enjoyed doing crafts including crochet, making blankets, and ceramics. She enjoyed watching Family Feud and old Westerns, loved shopping at the Christmas Tree Shop, and never went anywhere without a cup of Dunkin' coffee in hand.
A fun-loving woman, Ruth took great joy in putting smiles on the faces of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As the family grew, she stayed involved in all of their lives, and never hesitated to join the fun. She always had a candy dish stocked and loved gathering everyone together for big holiday parties.
Above all, family was most important to Ruth. She effortlessly shared her love with family and friends, and was always willing to get together for "a cup of tea." In her own unique way, Ruth formed a special bond with each one of her 7 children, 16 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered.
Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Edward F. Dolaher with whom she shared 40 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Elizabeth Lovejoy and her husband Peter, Edward Dolaher and his wife Ilona, Kathleen Carney and her husband Gerald, Eileen Dolaher, Kevin Dolaher and his wife Tricia, Susan Call and her husband Robert, and Teresa Dolaher-Doyle. Cherished grandmother of Gerald, Edward, Kerrianne, Sean, Ashley, Kyle, Shannon, Jonathan, Connor, Rachel, Alanna, Courtney, Cameron, Tiffani, Robert , and Matthew. Loving great-grandmother of Chloe, Edward, Garrett, Sophia, Teeghan, Gerald, Kaylin, Taylor, Dorothy, Jane, Allison, Carson, Bella, and Thea. Dear sister of the late Richard and Robert Traniello. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Ruth's life for Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 4-7pm. Out of respect for public health, her Funeral Service will be private. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
Gifts to honor Ruth's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org/donate
Condolence & Memory Journal
Mom - Simply the best! I remember when I was a little girl I would never leave your side, you were my protector. You always told me it was ok as I grew up and became more independent. I knew I could count on you for anything. You always said to me "You can do anything just give it your best". When I introduced you and dad to Rob you were both so happy to meet him. You made him feel like he was part of the family immediately. Rob and dad hit it off right away. When I had my first child, Jonathan, both you and dad helped me when he was hospitalized, and when I had my second child, Cameron, you and dad where there helping me again. When I had my 3rd child, Robert, dad was sick but you still helped whenever I needed you.
Both you and dad taught all of us that Family is the most important thing and to always be there for each other. You and I did a lot together. We would call each other every morning and plan our day of taking my kids to school then we would go shopping and have lunch together. The day would always end at your house having a cup of tea. I'm going to miss our tea times together and calling you everyday, but I know you're with dad and he is holding you so tight. All of us kids will continue the family traditions you and dad always had and will forever be grateful for all you and dad have done for all of us Love You Mom! xoxo
PS - Give dad hugs and kisses for me.
Posted by
Susan Call - BURLINGTON, MA - Daughter November 20, 2020
Dear Kevin, Tricia, children and entire Dolaher family,
So very sorry you are all going through such a tremendous loss. Ruthie was a wonderful woman. She was such a loving person. Cherish all of your wonderful memories and keep them in your hearts forever. May she rest peacefully.
With love, hugs and sympathy,
Rhonda, Rob and children
XOXO
Posted by
RHONDA D'Amato-Annese - Peabody, MA - Friend November 19, 2020
Ruth was definitely a second Mom to me!! I loved spending time with her and the family, she raised 7 beautiful children. I will miss her laugh and smile
Posted by
Chrissy Wofsey November 18, 2020
To the Family of Ruthie, I was so sorry to hear about your Non, Grandmother, great grandmother. brothers-in-law and sister-in-law. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Posted by
Helen Smith - Woburn, MA - Friend November 17, 2020
So sorry to hear about your Mom...I sometimes would see her at the Peabody Center, always had a smile..Sending prayers and love to all of you..
Posted by
Judy McHugh-LaRosa - Lynnfield, MA November 17, 2020
Mom loving caring woman. Always making sure everyone was health and smiling. Worried more about others. Lots of fun times Xmas parties cookouts to celebrating many occasions. Always had a smile for the kids loved being around people. Always willing to help you. Loved to cook many things always enough to feed a army. I will miss you dearly. Always hard to let someone go. Aleast I know you are with people who love you so. Dad and family and friends are there with open arms. You will always have a special place in my heart. I love you MOM always and forever.
Posted by
Kevin Dolaher - Peabody, MA - Son November 17, 2020
So very sorry to hear the passing of Ruth. Sending condolences to the entire Dolaher family at this very sad time. May Ruth rest In Peace.
Posted by
Michelle Bennett Morrow - Dracut, MA - Family Friend November 16, 2020
Just want to let all my nieces & nephew and the great ones that we are very sad to the passing of your Mom. She loved your guys with all her heart ,she always had a big smile when she talked about all of you. I will miss our talks everyday sometime 2 or 3 times. I love you guys& I love your Mom and I will miss her. Big Hugs. Aunt Kathy & Uncle Tom.
Posted by
thomas jones - E Falmouth, MA - Family November 16, 2020
My condolences to all the family of Ruthie. She will be missed by many
Posted by
Tina Kittredge - North Billerica, MA - Family Friend November 16, 2020