Ruth Ann Broderick

Ruth Ann Broderick, 80, passed away Friday, August 19, 2022 at home in Center Barnstead, NH, surrounded by her loving family, after an 8 year battle with Alzheimer’s. 

She was born in Manchester, NH on December 11, 1941 to Ralph Goodwin and Alice (Plowright) Goodwin.  She was married to the late Richard “Dick” J. Broderick for 40 years.  Together, they raised 3 children.  She was predeceased by her longtime friend and companion Robert “Bob” Finnegan of Hampton Beach.  She leaves behind her fiancé of 13 years Frederick William “Bill” Nolte Jr. of Rotunda West, FL.  

She graduated St Joseph’s High School, class of 1959.  She worked many years as a buyer/planner for Computervision, Raytheon and SCI.

Proud of her Irish heritage she was genuinely lucky in many ways.  She met Dick, the love of her life, when she was just 14 years old.  When Dick enlisted in the Navy, Ruth waited until his return to marry him at 19 years old, on 7/1/1961.  During their decades-long marriage, they loved playing cards with family and friends, taking trips to Florida and spending summers on Suncook Lake at the Broderick Family Camp.  Devastated by the loss of her husband she found friendship with Bob. He charmed her with his dance moves and they spent many Saturday nights dancing at Ashworth by the Sea in Hampton Beach.  They remained together until his passing.  Luck would strike again, while vacationing on the tiny island of St. Maarten, where she met Bill over a cup of coffee.  He called her Blondie, made her laugh and made the rest of her dreams come true.  They traveled the world going to Africa, Ireland and the several other countries in Europe.  After a few long winters on Suncook Lake, they became snowbirds, wintering in Rotunda West, FL.  In Rotunda West, they joined Elks Lodge 2710.  There, they made many friends, put in many hours volunteering, played bingo and doing her favorite job “rolling silverware”.  

As a mom she ran a tight ship. Beds had to be made and you were expected to pick up after yourself.  She was a loving and devoted mother, serving on the Board of Directors for Camp Fire in Manchester NH, she was the team mom for East Little League, and she helped start Manchester Angels Soccer League.  She gladly drove her kids and their friends to all of their sporting events and activities.  She even covered Patricks’ paper route when he had early morning hockey practice!  

She will be remembered as someone you could count on by her kids, grandkids and all their friends. They always knew they were welcome and that there was always a seat at the table.  She would always say that there was room for “one more”.  Friday night was pizza night and Sunday night was family dinner night. These are traditions her family will carry on, in her honor.  

As a mom and nana, the teachers knew that if they needed help in the classroom, on a field trip, playing games on field day or reading to the class, Ruth was always available.  You would also see her cheering on the sidelines for soccer, hockey, swimming, volleyball and gymnastics. She was everyone’s cheerleader.

During the summer, she acted as camp counselor to her granddaughters. First at Hampton Beach, and later at Suncook Lake.  They went swimming, ate ice cream, played mini golf and danced. She taught all her grandchildren classic old songs, including, “You are my Sunshine”, “I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover” and “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral”.  

Ruth also served on the Board of Directors at North Beach Condo’s in Hampton where she owned a condo for several years.

Ruth will be remembered most for her amazing blue eyes, her beautiful smile and sass. She had a true love of life and was quick to make you laugh.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

She leaves behind her fiancé Frederick William Nolte Jr, 3 children Richard Broderick Jr of NH, Alice Broderick (Brian Birk) of Hooksett NH, Patrick (April) Broderick of Manchester NH. Grandchildren, Tracy Broderick, Stephanie Colegrove (Sean), Jessica Birk, Macy Broderick, Kate Broderick, Allison van Lier, David Broderick, and a great-granddaughter.  She also leaves behind a brother, Michael (Rita) Goodwin,of Nashua NH, 2 sisters Marjorie Cronin of Auburn NH, and Maryanne (David) Pelczar of Walnut Cove, NC, a sister-in-law Inez Broderick of Manchester NH and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers in law, Joseph Cronin, James V Broderick, Howard and Virginia (Broderick) Lang, and William and Louise (Broderick) Welch. 

Services: Calling hours are Thursday, August 25^th 3 to 6pm at the Cremation Society of NH, 243 Hanover St, Manchester, NH.  The funeral will be celebrated 9:30am Friday, August 26^th, at the Cremation Society of NH, 243 Hanover St, Manchester, NH Friday.  Burial to follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery, Bedford NH.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Ruth’s name to Granite VNA, 30 Pillsbury St, Concord NH 03301.