Ruth Peterson Mazzarella, age 100, died peacefully in her home on December 22, 2019.   She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and colleagues of the libraries, hospital and church organizations where she volunteered.

Ruth was a New Englander, born in Massachusetts and raised in Maine.  She exemplified the New England spirit of the original settlers – stoic, resilient and self-reliant.  Raised in a family of devout Baptists; her father was a minister who led churches in Maine, Ohio and Massachusetts.

In 1940, she met the love of her life while working a summer job in Orchard Beach, Maine.  Daniel, an Italian kid from Brooklyn, was not exactly a proper New Englander but they fell for each other just before WWII.  Corresponding faithfully while he served in the Navy and she taught elementary school; they reunited after the war to build a family while living in Bellport NY, Towson MD and Princeton NJ until Dan's passing in 1996.

What does it take to live to be 100?  There are many theories.  Some say it's vigorous exercise.  Others say it's a healthy diet full of green vegetables.  For Ruth, the true secret of longevity was avid reading.  She read over 200 books a year, including both fiction and non-fiction.  She looked forward to reading articles in The Economist and The Atlantic until the end.  She was a knower of things and could easily expound on topics as varied as the 17 ^th century English monarchy to the current trade war with China.

She also gave her time freely to people who could benefit from her energy and knowledge.  Her professional occupation, teacher, gave her the opportunity to shape the lives of hundreds of young people.  She was also a devoted volunteer at Princeton Hospital, the Unitarian Church of Princeton and several local libraries.

Ruth's greatest joy was spending time with her family and watching them thrive, a feeling shared by her devoted children; Julia (Joe Beltromba); Paul (Carol Chock) and David; as well as by her 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  Her passing leaves a void in our lives, but fond memories of her sustain us.

Donations in Ruth's memory to the Mary Jacobs Library Foundation or Stein Hospice would be greatly appreciated.