|
Ruth Landon Clarke Hawkins, affectionately known as "Rudy", of Peabody, MA passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024. Born December 19, 1933 in Greenville, PA, Rudy was the daughter of Riley W. Clarke and Esther McMaster Clarke. A graduate of Cornell University, Rudy married Ben Francis Hawkins on March 10, 1956, and together they raised six children. They celebrated 62 years of marriage before Ben's death in October 2018.
After her children were all of school-age, Rudy tutored and taught part-time at several schools in Oneonta, NY and Amsterdam, NY. In addition to caring deeply for her family and extended network of friends, Rudy was a passionate, active volunteer who devoted her life to the advocacy and welfare of youth. She founded and served as coordinator of Partners to Assist Youth in Amsterdam, NY as well as served on the Board of the Amsterdam Free Library where she initiated programs for young readers.
In retirement, Ben and Rudy enjoyed many years in Rhode Island, sailing and helping their community. Later in life, they moved to Brooksby Village in Peabody, MA where Rudy chaired and served on the Missions Committee for the Brooksby Village Protestant Community, participated in book clubs, bridge games, and welcoming new neighbors.
In addition to Ben and her parents, Rudy is preceded in death by her brother William "Mac" McMaster Clarke. She is survived by her six children: Tim (Tracy), Bruce (Wendy), Craig (Lisa), Riley (Niki), Nanci (Tony), and Cynci (Jeff), sixteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two additional great-grandchildren expected this summer, as well as her sister, Eleanor Clarke Newman.
Rudy donated her body to Tufts Anatomical Research Program. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, June 9 at 2:00 pm at Brooksby Village in Peabody, MA. The service will be held in the Brooksby Village Chapel located in the McIntosh Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate to the charity of your choice in Rudy's honor.
|
