Ruth E. Fugere-Downs

February 1, 1931 — June 8, 2024

WORCESTER

Ruth E.(Sharp) Fugere-Downs, 93, of Worcester, entered the welcoming arms of
Jesus on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from Knollwood Nursing Center. Ruth was born to John G. and Margaret (Bottomley) Sharp on February 1, 1931 and graduated from Millbury High School in 1948. Through ballroom dancing, she met and married Donald Fugere with whom she was blessed with five children and became a dedicated and loving mother.

Ruth was known for her strong work ethic and resilience. Later, she tirelessly
raised her children on her own while working full-time as a bookkeeper and office manager. She met all challenges head-on, with humor and positivity.
In 1990, she married Robert Downs, and they shared 29 years together. Ruth
was a beloved resident of Greenhill Towers for many years and found joy in the
company of friends and family.

Ruth was a devout Christian and her faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life.
She found strength, comfort and guidance in her relationship with God. Her
unwavering faith was shared in her daily life and interactions with others, serving as a beacon of light and hope to all those around her.
Ruth served at Faith Church, Auburn as a Deacon, on the Missions Board
Committee, drama and prayer teams and was especially proud of her
involvement in rebuilding churches with Lord’s Builders Mission Work in Georgia.

Her commitment to serving others reflected her compassion and giving nature,
leaving a lasting impact on those she helped.
Ruth had an avid love for the arts and enjoyed painting, drawing and writing
poetry. Her creativity was a source of joy and inspiration for all who knew her.
She found solace and tranquility by the sea, particularly along the Maine
coastline, where she reveled in the beauty of the ocean and the soothing rhythm
of the waves. Ruth also enjoyed camping, a good game of Yahtzee, Cribbage
and solving crossword puzzles.

Even in her later years, Ruth remained vibrant and creative. At 91, she
accomplished the remarkable feat of publishing a book of poems chronicling her life experiences, Life and Times Told in Rhymes… & More.

Ruth is now reunited in Heaven with her parents, John and Margaret Sharp, her
husband, Robert Downs, former husband Donald Fugere, son, Alan Fugere Sr.,
grandson, Alan Fugere Jr. and sister, Eva Higginson. She is survived by her
cherished children: John Fugere (Joan) of Worcester, Donna Fulginiti (Robert) of Leicester, Kathy Sandstrom (Gerry) of Dudley, G. Scott Fugere (Tina) of
Jacksonville, FL, and sister, Florence Powers of Millbury. She also leaves behind her bonus children: Louis Downs (Christine) of Gardner, Roberta Trei (Peter) of Westminster, and Mary Downs of Gardner. Ruth delighted in the love she shared with her 12 grandchildren: Robert, Kristina, Steven, Nick, Kristy, Nicole, Kristen, Matthew, Justin, Bryan, Carmen, and Jesse. She was Great-Grammy to 20 great-grandchildren, bonus Grandmother to many and Aunt to several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff members from Knollwood Nursing
Center and Jewish Healthcare Hospice.

Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Friday, June 21, 2024 at
5:00 pm at Faith Church, 22 Faith Ave., Auburn. A Celebration of Life Service
begins at 6:00 pm, immediately followed by refreshments and fellowship.
Private burial services will be held at a later date.

To order memorial trees in memory of Ruth E. Fugere-Downs, please visit our tree store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, June 21, 2024

5:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

Faith Church

22 Faith Ave, Auburn, MA 01501

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Celebration of Life