Ruth Ernestine Haviland
(1907 - 2000)
World War II Veteran, U.S. Army
Mother, Bookkeeper
Ruth was born the middle child in a family of five. Although her birth was not recorded until January 14, 1908, she came into the world on June 9, 1907 at the family home in Arlington, Massachusetts.
Shortly after her father's untimely death when she was six, Ruth's mother relocated the family to Belmont. It was here, in "the country", that Ruth grew and learned to appreciate the beauty of nature. Her observations inspired her to write poetry, more of which will be added to this site in the future.
Graduating from Belmont High School in 1924 with clerical training, she soon found herself in the bustle of the business world. Her first job was as a clerk in a slate company. By hard work and dedication, Ruth soon found herself an indispensible member of the company. However, with a world wide war brewing, business was going badly and Ruth left to seek another career.
Ruth was one of the early recruits for the Women's Auxiliary Army Corp (WAAC). Following her heart and conscience, she enlisted September 1, 1943 and trained at Fort Devens in Massachusetts. As a WAC in the U. S. Army (name changed by legislation), she reached the rank of Technical Sargent while in the Adjutant General's Office as a Clerk/Stenographer. Primarily stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, for the duration of the war, she received an honorable discharge September 27, 1945.
After WWII, she continued to work for the U.S. Government at the Veteran's Administration in Falmouth, MA, where her tasks dealt with real estate holdings. She was considered a valuable employee by her boss, Clifton Whyte.
Her public service was not limited to her time in the Army, however. On June 14, 1968, she was appointed to serve on the newly organized Woburn Conservation Commission, one of the first in the state. In addition, she had been a Notary Public since her Army days and only gave up her commission when she reached retirement age! For many years, she was active in American Legion (All Women) Post 409, both being a founding member and serving at one point as Post Commander.
In 1950, Ruth married Frank J. Donovan. Three years later, they adopted a little girl. Although they both loved children, the family was to remain a trio. With a house full of nieces and nephews living next door and neighborhood of young children, however, they had the company of many children over the years. It is interesting to note that some of those children still remember Frank and Ruth and the neighborhood activities that they organized for the children's pleasure.
After Frank's retirement in 1981, Ruth and Frank enjoyed travelling and made yearly trips with some of their long time friends. They went to Bermuda, Europe, Mexico and Africa as well as taking cruises to other far off places. They loved every minute of it!
When Frank passed away in 1986, the impact on the family, and especially Ruth, was devastating. It was not long before it became evident that she was not coping with her loss and that she needed assistance. Various living situations were explored, but none were satisfactory for anyone. So, Ruth went to live with 19 other ladies in a private rest home where she would receive the individual attention that she required.
For several years, she lived contentedly at the home. She was well cared for and had the fellowship of others which is what she desired the most. After a short illness, Ruth passed away on February 23, 2000, at 92 years of age. Her passing has left us all with an emptiness that will be hard to fill.
