Ruth F. Saris

Ruth Saris, our beloved mother, was a lifelong learner who encouraged her children to strive for the best, study hard, and care for their families and community. Our mother lived those principles herself. She graduated from the Beth Israel School of Nursing in 1948 and practiced nursing for a few years before her children were born.   She served as President of the League of Women Voters, Boston Chapter from 1971-1973 and was a member of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus. From 1970 through 1975, Ms. Saris was appointed by Governor Francis Sargent to the Advisory Council for Comprehensive Health Planning and the Governor’s Committee on the Status of Women. During that period she also served on the Board of Directors of Boston Harbor Associates.

As a lifelong learner, our mother matriculated at the University of Massachusetts where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1982 and went on to work for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the John F. Kennedy Library. She organized multiple seminars, symposia and debates for mayoral candidates in 1983, Senatorial candidates in 1984 and governor candidates in 1990.

Our mother had a true passion for the arts and has exhibited her paintings of vibrant flowers and sunsets over Hingham Bay in art shows on the South Shore. She was a silversmith, attending many workshops at the DeCordova Museum and completing many silver pieces. She was an active artist up until her death and passed down many of her art and silver pieces to her children and grandchildren.  

Our mother was an active supporter of LEAP for Education from the day it opened its doors in 2002 and never missed a Great Expectations event even into her 90’s.

We miss you, Patti, Linda and Stephen