Peabody - Carolyn Ruth "Ruthie" Mara, 90, of Peabody, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late John T. Mara with whom she shared 39 years of marriage until his passing in 2004.

She was born in Haverhill on July 20, 1935, and was the cherished daughter of the late Patrick and Caroline (Puzas) McCarthy.

Ruthie was raised in Haverhill and attended Haverhill Public Schools, graduating from Haverhill High School in 1953. After graduating she worked at Raytheon for many years. She met the love of her life, John T. Mara, while attending a friend's wedding. Ruthie and John married in 1965 and began raising their family in Peabody. She left her job at Raytheon to raise her three children.

She loved to bake and would decorate cakes for all occasions. She loved it so much she would take classes to perfect her craft. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially spending time with her four grandchildren.

Ruthie is survived by her two daughters, Suzanne Iovanna of Marblehead and Cindy Stevens and her husband Matthew of Peabody; her son, Stephen Mara of Peabody; her four grandchildren, Alexandra and Michael Iovanna Jr. and Christopher and Cameron Stevens; her sisters, Marilyn McCarthy and Patricia Godfrey; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Sadly, in addition to her husband and parents, she is predeceased by her son-in-law, Michael Iovanna; her sister, Nancy Williams; and her brother, Robert McCarthy.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Peabody at 11:30 A.M. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruthie's memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute by visiting www.dana-farber.org. For guestbook and directions please visit www.ccbfuneral.com.