Ruth Jean French

Ruth Jean French, age 79, of Methuen, MA, former longtime Salisbury resident, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Lawrence General Hospital.

Born in Newburyport, MA on April 23, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Harry W. French, II and Mabel (Griswold) French, grew up in Salisbury and was a graduate of Newburyport High School, Class of 1964.

She liked to work and always had fun. Ruth started at the Midway and Frolics Arcades at Salisbury Beach for 8 years; then worked as a Certified Nurse’s Aide at the former Seaview Nursing Home in Rowley for 18 years; also had the Mini Donut Hut and Sub Stand at Salisbury Beach, then the Mini Donut Hut Cafe on Beach Road. Ruth was a Special Salisbury Police Officer and also served as Deputy Director of Salisbury Civil Defense, both for 9 years then continued working as a cook at the Salisbury Assisted Living Center; was a driver as a courier for L & M Enterprise of Salisbury; and toward the end of her working time she drove taxi for veterans. Ruth never thought she would have to give up working, but she did, and she truly loved every bit of work she did throughout her life.

Ruth is survived by her brother, Paul French of Bangor, ME, and her lifetime partner over 23 years, Connie Torrisi, along with several generations of nieces and nephews, and many dear friends along the way. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her brother, Linwood W. French; her sister, Grace I. (Jackman) Lake; her niece, Shirley A. (Jackman) Finneran; and two nephews, Henry F. Jackman, Jr. and Kenneth M. Jackman.

Visiting hours will be on Monday, June 30, 2025 from 11 A.M. to 12 P.M. at 35 Green Street, Newburyport, followed by a service at the funeral home at 12 P.M. then a Graveside Service at Long Hill Cemetery, Salisbury, where Ruth will be laid to eternal rest with her parents.