TEWKSBURY: Marie “Georgia” (Watson) Ruckledge, age 72, a lifelong resident of Tewksbury, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at Saints Memorial Medical Center in Lowell.
She was the wife of Thomas R. Ruckledge, Jr. with whom she celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on April 24th.
Born in Tewksbury on May 5, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Thomas E. and Marie G. (Parsons) Watson.
Mrs. Ruckledge attended Tewksbury schools and graduated as the class valedictorian from Tewksbury High School in 1952.
She received her B.A. Degree in Education from the former Lowell State Teachers College in 1956. In 1974, Mrs. Ruckledge earned a M.A. Degree in Education from Lowell State College(U.Mass-Lowell).
Prior to her retirement in 1988, she was employed as a developmental reading specialist by the Tewksbury Public School System. Mrs. Ruckledge previously worked as a teacher for the Lexington Public School System.
She attended the First United Baptist Church of Lowell.
Mrs. Ruckledge previously attended the Lawrence Street Primitive Methodist Church of Lowell.
She was a member of the board of patrons, advisory committee and trustee of the Merrimack River Valley House of Lowell. In addition, she was an active member and past director of the Lowell Garden Club, a member of the board of directors of the Lowell Children’s Home, a life member of the Lowell General Hospital Auxiliary and a volunteer at the Lowell General Hospital Gift Shop from 1994 – 2000.
She enjoyed many activities especially researching her family’s genealogy and contributing to projects presented by the Tewksbury Historical Society.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter; Carol A. Ryan of Tyngsboro; one son; Thomas R. Ruckledge, III of Tewksbury; one brother; Thomas E. Watson, Jr. and his wife Adeline (Stanczak) of Hooksett, NH; one granddaughter; Erin Marie Ryan of Tyngsboro; also many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Calling hours Saturday, September 23rd, from 4-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral service Sunday, September 24th, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Merrimack River Valley House, 520 Fletcher St., Lowell, MA 01854 are requested.