Ruth M. "Ruthie" (Callahan) Walenius

Ruth M. “Ruthie” (Callahan) Walenius, a proud Weymouth resident for 62 years, died peacefully, surrounded by family on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Southwood Rehabilitation in Norwell. She was 96.

Ruthie was born in Somerville on November 15, 1928, and was the daughter of the late Matthew Leo and Viola (Cross) Callahan. She was raised in the Houghs Neck neighborhood of Quincy, where she attended the local schools.

Ruthie grew up in a home rich with stories, strong values, and a spirit of hospitality, all qualities she carried with her throughout her life. One of her earliest jobs was at the Dedham courthouse, a role she was immensely proud of and spoke of often. Over the years, she wore many hats, from census taker to stocking greeting cards for American Greetings. Even into her 70s, Ruthie was still going strong, working in the mailroom at Putnam Investments. With her quick wit and legendary “gift of gab,” she didn’t just show up for the job, she became a favorite among coworkers and made every shift a little more fun.

Ruthie’s primary career, however, was that of a homemaker, mother, and the heart of her family. She raised her children with love and dedication, and she never missed a birthday, a recital, a game, or a family event. Her grandchildren’s extracurriculars were always marked by her enthusiastic support from the sidelines. Holidays were never just days on the calendar, especially St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas, but full-blown events, complete with her famous corned beef dinners, cherished greeting cards, gifts, and music.

Ruthie had a remarkable gift for making people feel instantly at ease. Whether it was friends, neighbors, or total strangers, people were drawn to her warm energy, infectious laugh, and uncanny ability to recall every detail of a shared story or special moment. Her memory was as sharp as it was sentimental, she remembered not just the big milestones, but the little things that made people feel seen.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Ruthie loved to dance, was a regular at chair yoga and swimming, and remained active well into her later years. Her zest for life never faded, and she built lasting friendships everywhere she went. To her, neighbors weren’t just neighbors, they were family.

She lived a life defined by warmth, joy, and deep devotion to the people around her. Ruthie leaves behind a family who adored her and a legacy built on love, laughter, and the power of always showing up for one another.

Ruthie was the beloved wife of the late Eugene T. “Al” Walenius, with whom she shared many loving years. She was the devoted mother of Kathleen Finch-Hopey of Brockton,Dianne Siroonian and her husband Mark of Duxbury, Tracy Horton and her husband Gregg of Marshfield, and the late James Finch and his surviving wife Rose of Charleston, South Carolina. Ruthie was the loving grandmother of 14 and the loving great grandmother of 18. She was the dear sister of the late Bernice Ryan, and is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 1-4 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte. 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital).

Her funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 4 PM in McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main St. (Rte. 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital), Weymouth. Cremation will follow. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Ruthie's name to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute by clicking here.