Ruby G. Bragdon 1916-2012 LEE Ruby Grace Bragdon, 96, died on May 23, 2012 in her home at Hyde Place. She was born in Bradford, Vt., on February 2, 1916, daughter of Samuel and Mary Whitman Donaldson. She moved to East Lee in 1944 where she raised her family. On December 6, 1940 she married Henry R. Bragdon, who predeceased her in 2006 after 66 years of marriage. She survived the heartache of loosing her son, Robert (Butch) Bragdon, a grandson, Richard Brunell, a great grandson, Joshua Brunell, and son-in-law, Robert (Fred) Brunell, all taken at an early age. She was also predeceased by three sisters and four brothers. Family, friends, and church were of great importance to Ruby throughout her life. She was blessed with a green thumb and planted flowers in many places for all to enjoy including the gardens at her much loved United Methodist Church of Lenox. Ruby and Henry volunteered for the Elder Services delivering meals on wheels as well as sponsoring children for 38 years through the Foster Parents Plan. Well into her 80's Ruby was an inspiration to all with her fund raising and participation in charitable walks. Many families in the Berkshires have been touched by Ruby's generosity and hard work. Ruby and her husband enjoyed camping around the United States and had a few overseas adventures as well. Ruby used to put it simply, "We love to go." Ruby leaves three daughters, Grace M. Zbell of Great Barrington, Jean C. Wilcox and her husband Frank Wilcox of Concord, N.H., Barbara (Candie) Brunell of Lee, and daughter-in-law Teresa Bragdon of Lee. She is survived by ten grandchildren Robert Houghtaling of Housatonic, Barbara Kiriakedes of Sheffield, Michelle Nadow of Chelsea, Mass., Susan Soccio of Loudonville, N.Y., John Wilcox of Dedham, Mass., Lynn Benoit of Danville, Vt., Tricia Bragdon of Lee, Rodney Bragdon of Winchester, Va., William Brunell of Lee, and Brent Brunell of Clifton Park, N.Y. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren Ashley, Monica, Andrew, Karina, Nathaniel, Lauren, Lucas, Evan, Nicholas, Hannah, K.C., Kelsey, Jacob, Ethan, Mirabel and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations to the United Methodist Church of Lenox or Hospice Care in the Berkshires, an affiliate of Berkshire Healthcare Systems, in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238, who is in charge of arrangements. A memorial service will be conducted Tuesday, May 29 at 11 at United Methodist Church in Lenox. Burial will follow.

Published in The Berkshire Eagle