Wenham - Wenham - The world lost the holder of the biggest and best smile in the entire universe. Ruth Marie (Dalton) Craigen, age 78, of Wenham, MA, passed away on Saturday, October 25th surrounded by loved ones.

Ruth is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, John "Jack" Craigen, her loyal sister Mary Thomas (and husband Gary Thomas), her children David, Laurie, and Amy and grandchildren, Kacey Curley Craigen and Julia, Jonathan, Jacob and Ella Craigen. She is also survived by her dear friend, Suzanne Nadeau, her children's partners Marlene Ferrante and Paul Raby (and daughter Chloe), her former daughter-in-law, Alyssa Craigen and her brother in-law Michael Craigen (and wife, Kathleen Craigen). She is predeceased by her loving parents, Richard Dalton and Lorraine Dalton, her witty and creative brother, Richard "Dick" Dalton and her generous sister-in-law, Patricia (Craigen) Martin.

Ruth was born in Beverly, Massachusetts on April 10th, 1947. She graduated from Beverly High School in 1965 and went on to achieve her Licensed Professional Nursing (LPN) degree from Beverly Hospital in 1967. Ruth's degree sparked a career in healthcare for decades where she served her patients with kindness, warmth and generosity. She felt called to sit with patients as they transitioned from this world, considering the work both and honor and a privilege. Ruth spent more than 25 years at Ledgewood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Beverly, where she formed deep friendships, especially with Judy Drouin, who remained close long after their retirements.

Ruth and Jack shared a life full of laughter and companionship, and he could always draw out her brightest smiles and joyful laughter, even earning the occasional eye roll. Ruth embraced motherhood wholeheartedly and parented with unconditional love, understanding, and warmth. She loved her children "no matter what," and, even when her voice was taken from her, she expressed her love through her eyes, her infectious smile, and the strong grip of her hand. Among her proudest roles was as a grandmother, cheering from the sidelines or showering her grandchildren with affection and laughter. Her love for them was boundless and she made sure that they always knew it and felt that love.

Ruth approached her life with empathy, humor and a little sass which was best enjoyed with family, laughter, and her favorite glass of Chardonnay. She didn't live her life by telling those around her how to live. Instead, she SHOWED you through her compassion, kindness, and generosity.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that, in honor of Ruth, you share your brightest smile with someone today. Let your smile serve as a quiet reminder of her kindness. The family would also love for donations to in Ruth's name to Masconomet Health Care Center, 123 High St., Topsfield, MA 01983 (please indicate that it is to be used for the Activities Department). We are forever grateful for the phenomenal care and support from the staff and families we met at Masconomet Healthcare Center as well as the caring staff of Harborside Hospice.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 253 Cabot St., Beverly, MA on Friday, November 7th at 3 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend, followed by a celebration of life at 4:15 p.m. at Danversport Yacht Club, Danvers, MA. Ruth was the life of the party and in her honor, we'll gather with love and joy to celebrate the wonderful spirit she shared with us all! Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly, MA. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.