Ruth S. Pater

Ruth S. (Godfrey) Pater, 65, of Plainville, passed away on Saturday September 22, 2018 at Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford surrounded by her loving family. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, John W. Pater, who predeceased her in 2012.

Ruth was born in Hartford on March 25, 1953, daughter to the late John D. and Evelyn (Clark) Godfrey. She grew up in Suffield, later relocating to Plainville where she and her family established a home. She was a devoted member of the Congregational Church of Plainville- United Church of Christ for many years and helped with the Christian Education Committee. She was a college graduate of Central CT State University and Southern CT State University, where she earned her master’s degree in Psychology. Ruth was a special education teacher in the Bristol school systems, retiring after 34 years of educating students. She was dedicated to teaching, both inside and outside of the classroom, as she was always looking for ways to help people learn and teach them how to be a better person in the community. She was a very patient and persistent woman and had much respect for women of strength and power, especially those who empowered others to be leaders. Ruth loved watching old movies and TV shows, including but not limited to, Shirley Temple, and listening to the Beatles. Above all, Ruth cherished her family, especially her two children, as she relentlessly supported them throughout the years.

Ruth is survived by her two sons, William and Daniel Pater, of Plainville; her sisters, Margaret Festi and her husband, Robert, of Somers, and Maureen Mazzaccaro and her husband, Paul, of Southington; her sister-in-law, Paula Pater, of Plainville; her two brothers-in-law, Russell and Mark Pater, of Oakdale; and four nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, John, Ruth was predeceased by her brother, Roger Godfrey.

Ruth’s family would like to thank the staff at Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford for their compassion, support and care they provided in their time of need.

Funeral services for Ruth will be celebrated on Saturday, September 29 at 11 AM directly at the Congregational Church of Plainville, 130 West Main Street, Plainville. Burial will be private. Family and friends may gather at the Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad Street, Plainville on Wednesday, September 26 from 5 to 7 PM. Memorial contributions in Ruth’s name may be made to the Book of Remembrance at the Congregational Church of Plainville, 130 West Main Street, Plainville, CT, 06062.

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