Ruth E. Carlson

WORCESTER - Ruth E. Carlson, a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on August 16, 2023, in her husband's loving arms with her family at her side. Ruth leaves behind her devoted husband of thirty years, Jon P. Carlson. In addition, she lovingly leaves behind her children Lynne Ciociolo of Shrewsbury, Kenneth Daignault Jr. of South Yarmouth, Laurie Matosky and her husband David of Oxford, Jeffery Daignault of Largo, Florida, Robert (Randy) Daignault and his wife Amy of Rutland, and Cheryl Carlson of Northborough. In addition, Jon's sons Steven Carlson of Worcester and David Carlson of West Boylston. She also leaves her much-adored grandchildren she is so proud of, George Ciociolo, MD and his wife, Victoria, Kenneth Daignault III, Kaitlyn Daignault, Carter Daignault, Linnea Bartlett, Karly Matosky, Sam Daignault and her great grandchild Isabella Ciociolo. Ruth also leaves her dear cousin, Arlene Liam of Worcester. As a resident of the Willows in Worcester, she also leaves behind many friends. We cannot forget her beloved rescue dog, Reagan.

She graduated from Commerce High School in 1957. Ruth married her first husband, the late Kenneth Daignault, Sr. then moved to West Boyston in 1969 where they raised their five children together.

Ruth worked twenty-two years at the Worcester Housing Authority, starting her career as a principal clerk in 1980. She was promoted to various positions. In 1997, she was unanimously voted as the Worcester Housing Authority's sixth Executive Director. During her tenure, she re-established the confidence and mission of the WHA for the agency. Ruth retired from the WHA in 2002. In 2004 after retirement, she was hand-selected to reorganize the failing Springfield Housing Authority. The Worcester Housing Authority has named its Employee of the Year award in her honor and is now known as the Ruth E. Carlson Employee of the Year Award. She is well-known and respected within the housing industry.

She and Jon spent many years enjoying their weekends in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. Ruth took great pride in her flower garden. She enjoyed the native wildlife of Bethlehem and visiting local restaurants and shops. Ruth and Jon made many wooden creations that still adorn their home. They liked golfing and were members of the Bethlehem Country Club, the Profile Club, and the Worcester Country Club. Ruth was an avid Words with Friends player, enjoyed entertaining at the holidays, and was always up for anything!

Ruth lit up every room that she entered. She found positivity in everything and everyone. Wherever she went, people were drawn to her magnetic and bubbly personality. She had a passion for helping those less fortunate and had a way of making everyone feel special. She never turned down the opportunity for a sweet martini especially when socializing with friends and family. Ruth was proud of her family and nothing meant more to her than spending time with them.

Ruth was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester. The family would like to give a special thanks to Monique for her care.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for calling hours from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Monday, August 21st at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St, Holden. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 22 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St, Worcester. Burial will follow at All Faith's Cemetery, 9 Island Rd, Worcester.

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