Ruth Catherine Andrien of Downingtown

Ruth Catherine Andrien, 93, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, March 7, at her home in Downingtown PA. Despite its remarkable strength, the heart that gave so much love to her family could no longer continue beating.

She is survived by her ten children: Susan, Alfred, Judith, Ruth (O’Neill), Christopher, Beth (Ford), Andrew, Brian, David, and Jennifer (Heidenreich). She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and by her sister, Dolores Juliano of Somers Point, NJ.

Ruth was born on May 24, 1924, in Philadelphia to Elsie and Francis Finnerty, and spent her early years with her sisters Pinky and Doe at Saint Joseph Academy in McSherrystown — a short distance from Gettysburg — where she played basketball, sang in choir, and wrote for the newspaper with her lifelong friend, Betty O’Hey. An excellent student, Ruth received a special award for General Excellence at graduation and earned a full scholarship to Mount Saint Joseph’s College. In January 1948, she married a handsome and ambitious young man from West Chester, Alfred Andrien, and they settled down to raise children in Chester County.

Ruth Andrien touched the lives of many. She gave to each of her children amazing gifts of understanding and acceptance, as well as a finelytuned sense of justice.

Many thanks from the family to the hospital staff at Chester County Hospital, and to the hospice nurses, Lisa and Rosita, who worked so hard to make her comfortable in her final days.

A brief memorial service will be held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery on March 30 at 10:30 a.m. For additional details, contact alandrien@comcast.net.