Ruth O'Day

Ruth Irene Hart O'Day, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Embassy of Park Avenue.

Born on April 19, 1936, in Cochranton, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of William J. Hart and Helen M. Hart (Wagoner).

On February 5, 1955, Ruth married the love of her life, Thomas J. O'Day, who preceded her in death in 1983. She earned her degree in Special Education from Edinboro University and devoted more than two decades to serving the students of the Crawford Central School District. From 1981 until her retirement in 2002, Ruth touched the lives of countless students through her compassion, patience, and dedication to education.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Cindy O'Day of Knox, Pennsylvania; Greg O'Day and his wife, Betty, of Atlantic, Pennsylvania; and DeeDee Morian and her husband, Jason, of Atlantic, Pennsylvania.

Ruth was a devoted grandmother to Suzanne O'Day; Thomas O'Day and his wife, Paige; Shane O'Day; Taylor Sada and her husband, Scott; and Peyton Schlosser and her husband, Jacob. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Piercten O'Day, Brody O'Day, Marlee Conner, Harrison Conner, Thatcher Conner, Rowan O'Day, and Holden O'Day, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy.

She is also survived by her son's stepchildren, Craig Donahue and his wife, Lorrie; Renee Bowerman and her husband, Aaron; and Melissa Brennan and her husband, Mark; as well as her son's step-granddaughter, Ciara Donahue.

In addition, Ruth is survived by her sister, Barbara A. Peterson of Van Alstyne, Texas; her sisters-in-law, Cathy Maynard, Mary O'Day, and Eileen O'Day; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her brothers, Ernest D. Hart and John E. Hart; her brothers-in-law, Dan O'Day, Terry O'Day, and Mike O'Day; her sisters-in-law, Helene Welsh and Pat O'Day; and her son's stepson, Matthew Donahue.

Ruth was a faithful member of Our Lady Queen of America Catholic Church in Conneaut Lake. She was also a longtime member of the TOPS Club in Conneaut Lake, where she formed many cherished friendships over the years.

Above all else, Ruth's greatest love was her family. She spent her life caring for others, always placing the needs of those she loved before her own. Whether caring for her children, spoiling her grandchildren, or simply sharing time with family, she found her greatest happiness in being surrounded by those she loved. Her kindness, gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and selfless devotion to her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Family and friends are invited to call at Hatheway-Tedesco Funeral Home, 614 Baldwin St., Meadville, PA Friday July 17, 2026 from 2-4:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Saint Agatha’s Church, Meadville, PA at 5:00 p.m., with Father Jeffery Lucus as celebrant. Interment will immediately follow at Saint Bridget’s Cemetery, where Ruth will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Thomas.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ruth's memory to Special Olympics Pennsylvania, 2570 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 124, Norristown, PA 19403.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Embassy of Park Avenue for the compassionate care and kindness they provided to Ruth during her final months.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hatheway-Tedesco Funeral Home and Crematory, 614 Baldwin St., Meadville, PA 16335.