Ruth Flora (Zieff) Mades, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, and formerly of Georgetown, Massachusetts died peacefully on December 4, 2024 at the age of 86 surrounded by her loving family.
Ruth was born in 1938, to Barney and Esther (Cohen) Zieff beach side, in Winthrop, Massachusetts. As a journalism student at Boston University, Ruth traveled extensively as a reporter for the university newspaper. In 1957, she married the love of her life, Harvey Mades. Together, they made a beautiful home and raised three children in Georgetown, Massachusetts, where they were beloved members of the community for the next six decades.
Ruth was known in town as the proud mother to David, Danny and Debbie. For many years, “Mrs. Mades” was a beloved Kindergarten aid at Georgetown’s Perley Elementary School. An avid reader, Ruth was a regular visitor to the Georgetown Peabody Library, both as a patron and later in life, as a member of their staff. Her animated readings at story hour would delight listeners of all ages. Ruth had an amazing musical ear and loved to sing and share her love of music. She also made the best cheese bread in the world and made completing the Boston Globe crossword puzzle look effortless. Her contagious optimism and quick sense of humor earned Ruth dear friends everywhere she went. She had many friends from the Georgetown Public School system, the pool at the Newburyport YMCA and at the Atria Merrimack Place, where she and Harvey have lived for the past six years.
Ruth was predeceased by her mother and father; her sister, Jean Stevenson; and her brothers-in-law, Michael M. Mades and Dr. Joel Mades. She is survived by Harvey, her loving husband of 66 years; by her son, David Mades and his wife, Linda; her son Daniel Mades and his wife Karen; by her daughter, Deborah Mellor and her husband, Art; and three grandchildren: Alyssa Sexton and her husband, Michael; Michael D. Mades; and Douglas Mades and his wife Revati. Ruth leaves behind one great grandchild, Finn Sexton and several nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held at
Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon, Massachusetts.
