Margaret "Ruth" (O'Neil) O'Connell, of Melrose, died at her home on June 14, 2008 at the age of 94. Ruth was born & raised in Melrose and a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Melrose and Boston Business School. Ruth worked as the Melrose City Clerk, retiring in 2001 after 35 years of service. She was a member St. Mary's Church in Melrose and the Ladies Sodality for many years. She was also a member of the Business Leaders of America. Ruth was an avid Red Sox & Patriots fan for many years and also loved politics. She enjoyed traveling to Ireland & Italy many times but most of all, she loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. Ruth was the beloved wife of the late James B. O'Connell. Loving mother of Brian F. O'Connell & his wife Andrea of Stoneham, James "Barry' O'Connell & his wife Cheryl of Rowley, Kathleen T. O'Connell & her partner Paul Durkin of S. Boston and Ruthanne Medige & her husband George of Wakefield. Cherished grandmother of David O'Connell & his wife Jessica of SC, Jennifer Phillips & her husband Michael, Tara Dearborn & her husband Frank, all of N. Reading, Joshua O'Connell of CA, Sarah O'Connell & her companion Brenden Doyle of Gloucester and the late Michael Moscone. Devoted great grandmother of Kylie, Cloey, Avery, Ireland, Layla and Michael. Caring sister of Father Francis O'Neill S.J. of Weston and the late Joseph, Leo and Walter O'Neil. Also survived by many nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday June 18th at 8AM. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose at 9AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours on Tuesday from 4-8PM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ruth's memory to American Diabetes Assoc. 330 Congress St., 5Th Floor, Boston, MA 02210 or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701-4688.