Ruth Baj Whitney

Ruth Baj Whitney, 85, of Hudson, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 11, 2026, at Marie Esther’s in Marlborough.

Ruth was born on June 19, 1940, in Lynn, Massachusetts, to Lawrence and Dorothy Leonard. She was raised in Swampscott, where she attended Hadley Elementary and Junior High School before graduating from Swampscott High School. As a young girl, Ruth excelled academically and enjoyed field hockey, dancing to Elvis Presley, listening to The Lone Ranger on the radio, and vacationing at her grandparents’ home in Amesbury.

From an early age, Ruth knew she wanted to become a nurse, marry, and raise a family—goals she fulfilled with determination and grace. She attended the Children’s Hospital School of Nursing in Boston and, upon graduation, worked as a registered nurse in Waltham. While completing an affiliation at MacLean Hospital, she met the love of her life, Leonard Michael Baj. They were engaged on Valentine’s Day and married on a beautiful summer day, August 21, 1960, in Swampscott. Together, they began their life in Belmont, later moved to Waltham, and ultimately built their family home in Hudson in 1962 — a new house that Ruth fondly recalled had “no screens and no front steps, but it was ours.”

After settling in Hudson, Ruth continued her nursing career at Marlborough Hospital, where she served as a lead emergency room nurse. Highly respected by her peers, she mentored countless nurses over the years and remained proud of her “old school” nursing knowledge. She delighted in sharing this knowledge with young nurses she encountered during her various health struggles in recent years.

Tragedy struck when Lenny passed away suddenly at the age of 42, leaving Ruth a single, 34-year-old mother of four children, ages 8 to 13. She supported her family with steadfast resilience and an unwavering work ethic. She later transitioned to a position as school nurse at Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, where she made a lasting impact and was eventually inducted into the Assabet Valley Hall of Fame for her dedication to the booster club. Ruth concluded her nursing career at Bolton Manor and retired at the age of 52.

In retirement, Ruth spent many fulfilling years in Naples, Florida. She cherished her time at The Strand in Feather Sound with her husband, Donald Whitney, where they built a close community of friends who became family. Ruth served as President of the Condo Association and was an avid golfer. She welcomed visits from children and grandchildren year after year and delighted in hosting school vacation weeks that became treasured family memories. Ruth and Don shared a love of travel, cruising around the world with dear friends before eventually returning to Massachusetts after Don’s passing.

Ruth lived with family during the pandemic before settling at The Artisan in Hudson. She affectionately referred to modern-day Hudson as a “bustling metropolis.” A stark transition from sunny Florida, she eventually embraced her return to Massachusetts - the place in which she built the foundation that allowed her to live a long and full life. At The Artisan, Ruth was known as a friend to residents and staff alike—a “spitfire” who organized activities (e.g. putt-putt golf, cornhole, LCR, mahjong), attended happy hours, and planned memorable events, including her beloved annual Christmas party for residents, complete with a Yankee swap and a visit from Santa. In the days since her passing, residents shared how much Ruth’s zest for fun and camaraderie meant to them.

Ruth was known for her intelligence, remarkable memory, and vibrant social nature. She was a passionate, outspoken individual with a sharp wit. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren. She never missed a birthday card and celebrated family milestones from near and far. Late in life, Ruth found companionship and joy in her gray tuxedo cat, Gracie, whom she lovingly called her “baby.” The two were inseparable. Gracie will remain in the care of family until they meet again.

Ruth was overjoyed when she was promoted to great-grandmother with the births of Conall Patrick (2) and Murphy Ruth (6 months). She cherished visits with her two great grandbabies and spoiled them with many (many) Temu presents. Her legacy will live on through the many branches of her family tree.

Ruth was preceded in death by her first husband, Leonard Michael Baj; her son, Michael Joseph Baj; her third husband, Donald Whitney; and her brother, Bradford Locke.

She is survived by her devoted children, Elizabeth Toohey (Kevin), David Baj (Denyse), Joseph Baj (Helen) and Laurie Baj; her cherished grandchildren, Brendan Toohey (Erin), Kyle Toohey (Isabelle), Erin Toohey White (Kevin), Andrew, Trevor, Emma, Joey, Alec (Bethany), and Aniel; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Conall and Murphy. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas Leonard (Patricia); her sister-in-law, Sharon Locke; dear nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 24, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home, Hudson, Massachusetts. A Celebration of Ruth’s Life will take place on Sunday, January 25, at 12:00 p.m., also at Tighe-Hamilton. Burial services in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Hudson will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alliance Health and Human Services at the link below. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Marie Esther’s for the exemplary care provided to Ruth and her family in her final days.

Alliance Health and Human Services Donations