O’Connor, Ruth L.

PALM CITY, Fla. — Ruth L. O’Connor passed away on February 23, 2022.

Ruth was the first born of Thomas J. and Ruth M. O’Connor, on August 12, 1936, in Troy. Before Ruth graduated from the Academy of the Holy Names in Albany, she had become an accomplished pianist and received certification to teach piano from the Troy Conservatory of Music. Nonetheless, she chose to focus her future on education and she graduated from The College of Saint Rose in Albany with her B.A. and M.A. and later added an M.A. in counseling psychology from the State University of New York at Albany.

After more than a decade of educating and loving her elementary students, Ruth began teaching and lecturing at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy - sponsored by the SUNY system. After one semester, students were lining up to get in to one of her classes, despite the high standards she required - especially a mandatory oral report that every student had to present to classmates. Many referred to her as their "Dr. Ruth!" It did not take long for her to merit not only the status of "Professor" but, also, candidacy for the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. After retiring, Ruth moved to Florida to continue golfing, travel and making new friends - though she never forgot to keep in touch with her "old" ones. In the last decade, Ruth suffered several health issues, but kept battling back with a strong will and even stronger faith in God and the Holy Family. Ruth was predeceased by her beloved brother, John O’Connor. She is survived by brothers, Thomas J. O’Connor and Michael F. O’Connor; and sister, Mary Donohue Ricci. In addition, her wisdom and wit will live on through her nieces, Chiara Bell, Sara O’Connor Kenney and Amanda O’Connor; and her nephews, John Jr., Matthew and Luke O’Connor, T.J. O’Connor, Justin O’Connor Donohue, Jacob and Dylan O’Connor, Maxwell and Nathan O’Connor; and her closest friend and colleague, N. Catherine Scanlon, who has been at her side for 54 years.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held in St. Christopher’s Church in Hobe Sound, Fla., at a time to be announced.

Rest in Peace, Ruth! and spent many happy hours taking care of his home and property. Phil was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Glens Falls, N.Y.

Besides his parents, Phil is predeceased by his sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Tygert and Marjorie Lynch.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne Ostrom of 50 years; his son, Eric (Lisa) Ostrom of Port St. Lucie, Fla; his daughter, Elizabeth (Daniel) Mattoon and grandson, Bradley, of Charlton, N.Y., along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours scheduled. Burial with full military honors will take place at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 543 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

For those who wish, online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www. sbfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Regan Denny Stafford Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Rd, Queensbury, NY.