Lasting Memories

Ruth Ann Donnelly
June 25, 1931-April 7, 2014
Palo Alto, California

Ruth Ann Donnelly, a resident of Palo Alto, passed away on April 7, 2014. She was 82.

Ruth was born in Worchester, Mass., on June 25, 1931, graduated from Norwood High School in 1948, and finished her education at Bridgewater Teachers College, earning a bachelor's of science degree in Education. She moved to Palo Alto in 1958.

Ruth taught 35 years in the Palo Alto School District. After retirement, she traveled extensively but also continued to educate, tutoring in her home and volunteering at church with the children's liturgy.

From Bonnie Miller
July 19, 2014

Miss Donnelly was my first grade teacher. She was full of smiles, and always made learning seem fun. I think all the kids in our class believed that Miss Donnelly genuinely liked and cared about them. She was a wonderful beginning to our school years.

From John Parente
April 15, 2014

Ruth or Ms.Donelly to me, was a teacher for most of my father's career as principal in Palo Alto (Lou Parente)(1924-2011). She and Miss Minnis taught me and my brother Bill how to ice skate up in Belmont. I'll never forget all the Christmas teacher parties at our home in Los Altos. Ruth was definitely one of my father's dearest friends. I'm preparing to play cello and sing for the Easter Triduum at St. James Catholic Church in Davis, and wanted you to know she will be in my prayers of gratitude. Looks like another teacher's party is alooming!