Ruth Kneeland

WORCESTER - Ruth (Alger) Kneeland, 87, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 10, 2013, at UMass Memorial Medical Center - Memorial Campus in Worcester, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Richard M. Kneeland Sr. of Worcester, who died in 1984; a daughter, Ruth Kneeland of Worcester; and a brother, Russell Alger of Worcester. She is survived by three children, Richard M. Kneeland and his wife Shirley of Oxford, Rosanne Bagdis and her husband Vernon of Worcester, and Rebecca Kneeland and her significant other Jay Jarvis of Worcester; four grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and several nephews and nieces. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Edward and Suzie Pauline (Cunningham) Alger, and was a lifelong resident of Worcester. Mrs. Kneeland was a loyal member of the Hadwen Park Congregational Church in Worcester for 27 years, serving on numerous social ministries. Previously, she was a member of the Hope Congregational Church, where she was the superintendent of the Sunday school. She was a leader for the Campfire Girls and was very active in the community. She spent many years volunteering at the Lutheran Home. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family. A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Friday, March 15, 2013, at the Hadwen Park Congregational Church, 6 Clover St, Worcester. Burial will follow at Central Cemetery in Millbury. Calling hours are Thursday, March 14, 2013, from 6-8 p.m. at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics of Massachusetts, 512 Forest St., Marlborough, MA 01752.