Marblehead and Peabody, MA –   Ruth Harriet Chalifour, age 92, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 5, 2017 at the Rosewood Rehab and Nursing Home in Peabody.  Wife of the late Jean J. Chalifour and daughter of the late Everett C. and Clara A. (Thibedeau) Carr, Ruth was born and raised in Danvers.  After graduating from Danvers High School in 1943, she went to work for Sylvania's personnel department from 1945 to 1946 and then worked for the Department of Public Health in Wakefield until marrying Jean.  She remained a stay at home Mom while raising 12 daughters and supporting her large family.  In 1973, she rejoined the work force and worked for the US Treasury Department in Andover until her retirement.  Ruth was a member of the Society of St. Theresa, the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, and Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Marblehead.

Ruth is survived by her daughters; Cheryl M. DeSantis of Marblehead, Edythe A. Chalifour of Marblehead, Dianne L. Carey and her husband Raymond of Marblehead, Jayne E. Surro and her husband John of Framingham, Sandra C. Spiegel of Vermont, Nancee J. Caughey of New Hampshire, Brenda L. Chalifour of Florida, Laurie R. Dupont of Rockland, Ann L. White and her husband Jose Rymer of the Dominican Republic, Kathi D. Syska and her husband Richard of Peabody, Renee Y. Chalifour of Florida, her brother Arthur W. Carr of Illinois, her son-in-law Richard Venema of Virginia, as well as her 33 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and several Godchildren.  She was predeceased by her loving husband Jean J. Chalifour who passed in 2002 as well as her daughter Mary Elayne Venema, her brothers Everett F. Carr and Warren C. Carr, and her sisters Edith I. Minton and Evelyn F. Rice.

Visiting hours will take place on Friday, October 13, 2017 from 4 to 8PM at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (corner of North St.) Salem, MA 01970. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday October 14, 2017 at 10AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church,  85 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead, MA 01945. Interment will follow at Puritan Lawn Cemetery, 185 Lake St., Peabody, MA 01960. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Salem High School for the SHS Master Scholarship Fund (77 Willson St Salem, MA 01970).   For additional Information or online guestbook please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.