Ruth A. (Murray) O'Neil

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Ruth A. (Murray) O’Neil, 95 on December 4th at the Avita of Newburyport. She was the beloved wife of the late Francis O’Neil of Newburyport, with whom she spent a life filled with joy and adventure.

Ruth was born on March 30, 1930 to James and Rose (Surette) Murray of Winchester, MA and the youngest of five children. She was predeceased by her brother James Murray of Simi Valley, CA, her oldest sister Anne (Murray) Crandall of Kings Park, NY, her sister Mary (Murray) Titilah of Gloucester, MA and Lillian (Murray) Tucker of Greenville, S.C.

At an early age, Ruth was discovered and coached by the legendary Mr. William S. Packer of the fine clay courts on Palmer Street, Winchester MA. She often said how this opened doors not only for her game, but to travel and play at courts like Longwood as a Jr. and later when she played internationally. Her mother kept clippings of all her matches and Ruth was once ranked in the top 20 in the country. Later, when on assignment with her husband Fran, she won the 1968 Iranian club tennis championship. She went on to win hundreds of trophies and titles well into her senior years. Watching the French, Wimbledon and the US Open were major events in her house. 

Ruth was tough to beat and often fooled younger players with her beautiful premature white hair!

Another passion Ruth had was playing her beautiful Henry Miller Baby Grand piano which she saved for and purchased back when she was a young lady and it stayed with her through her entire life. She was a great sight reader and could play most of anything put before her. 

Ruth worked in the insurance industry for many years in Boston while commuting from her residence in Winchester. She often took vacations to Bermuda with her sister Anne. On one such vacation, she met the love of her life, Francis O'Neil. Ruth loved to laugh and dance, and Fran was a great dancer with a good sense of humor. 

Fran worked for the State Department during their early years of marriage and they spent their time travelling to offshore assignments to various countries such as Iran, Laos, Philippines and Germany.  During this time, they were able to travel, serve their country and meet lifelong friends.

Ruth and Fran settled in Manassa, Virginia and after 7 years retired to Newburyport. After retirement, Ruth and Fran settled into a beautiful red brick house in the North-end of Newburyport where they enjoyed their retirement time together. Unfortunately, in 1997 Fran developed health issues that overtook his life. Being alone in the red brick house caused Ruth to explore her options and she found a lovely 2-story condo for sale at The Courtyard at Newburyport and purchased it making sure there was room for her baby grand piano!

Ruth was a magnetic woman and was able to connect, laugh and share stories of her incredible life everywhere she lived. She made dear friends at both the Tennis Club of Newburyport and the Courtyard on Warren Street. She loved to share her talents; she was a coach, a master cake-decorator, and chocolatier and often taught classes to friends. 

Ruth was beloved by her nieces, nephews and friends and will be missed dearly.

The family would like to thank Avita of Newburyport for caring for Ruth like she was a member of their family, Compassus Hospice for their care and compassion. And, for the private care she received by some very special people whom we so appreciate.

A spring celebration of life is planned and champagne will be served to toast the life of this incredible woman who lived life with "No Regrets".