Mary Mchugh

POLAND - A prayer service for Mrs. Mary "Ruth" Donahue McHugh will be held on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home Poland Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Holy Family Church, both in Poland.

Ruth, who died Tuesday morning at her residence, was born on April 14, 1937, to Paul and Mary (Amon) Donahue in Pittsburgh.

She graduated from St. Frances De Sales High School in McKees Rocks, Pa.

Ruth married Francis McHugh of Youngstown, on Oct. 17, 1959, and they made their home in Poland. They had five children, Thomas (James DeBernardo) McHugh of Connecticut, Margaret "Maggie" McHugh of South Carolina, Rebecca (Paul) Stabile of Ohio, Francis (Grace) McHugh of North Carolina and Ruthie McHugh of North Carolina.

She was a member of the Holy Family Church for over 50 years. Ruth bowled with the lady's bowling league of St. Charles. Ruth was a nontraditional student at Youngstown State University, where she graduated from the Business Administration and Computer Technology Program in 1989. She went on to work for and retired from Mahoning County Child Support Enforcement Agency as a case manager. After retiring, Ruth was a volunteer for Angels For Animals caring for cats and kittens, fulfilling the charities mission of caring for cats through spay/neutering and forever home adoption. Ruth's passion was helping people and animals, which she did in her profession, as well as her volunteer work.

Ruth was a talented artist, specifically in oil painting and crafts, which she enjoyed doing with her family.

Ruth leaves a sister, Patsy (Donahue) Kalb, whose labor, love and spiritual guidance were an invaluable help with Ruth's peaceful transition from this life to the next. Ruth also leaves behind three loving grandchildren, Meghan McHugh, Nick Lopez and Ishary Lopez. She also leaves sisters-in-law Pat (Paul) Donahue, Catherine (McHugh) Rousseau and Rebecca (McHugh) Wilson; and an abundance of nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Francis; her mom and dad; sister Jeanie Donahue Marshall; and brother Paul Donahue.

The family would like to thank First Light Home Care who made Ruth's passing at home possible, honoring her wish to pass in the comfort of her home. A special thank you to Gail Casey and Lee Wilson, both First Light caregivers. The family would also like to thank MVI Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please make financial contributions to Angels For Animals feline spay and neuter program or MVI Hospice.

Friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this obituary and send condolences.