In Loving Memory of Mary Ruth McGeoghegan: 1921-2023

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Precious In The Eyes of the Lord Is the Death of His Faithful Ones. 

Mary Ruth McGeoghegan, going on 102, was born into life Aug. 18, 1921, and born into Eternal Life Feb. 1, 2023. Feb. 1, known as the first day of spring in Ireland. She was born on Gregory's Run, almost heaven, West Virginia, to Lydia Pearl Fortney and Archie Brown Fortney. Mary Ruth always said that West Virginians were too far north to be Southerners and too far south to be Northerners. We just like everyone! Her father called her his "Little Lady" and would not allow her to partake in any chores that were meant for "the boys." She was part of the Greatest Generation. She could not get through hearing the national anthem without shedding a tear. Her family was blessed with a bountiful farm and fed many itinerant workers traveling by foot, looking for work during the Great Depression. No one was ever turned away from their door. She saw many family members, classmates and friends go off to war, some never to return. It is our belief that these souls she prayed for have rejoiced at her arrival. She graduated from Lumberport High School in 1939 and went to West Virginia Business College. In 1941, the day before her 20th birthday, she left the farm and went to Baltimore, Maryland, to work for the Glen L. Martin Company, which manufactured aircraft for the defense of the U.S. and allies. In 1943, on a July weekend outing with friends to Ocean City, Maryland, Mary Ruth met Thomas “Tommy" McGeoghegan from Quincy, Massachusetts. He was a shipbuilder, employed by The Bethlehem Steel Company. He later joined the U.S. Maritime Administration. They were married on March 11, 1944, and had two children. Tommy's shipbuilding career took the family to Massachusetts, Washington, Maine, California and Wisconsin. Mary Ruth loved the adventure of finding a new home and lovingly decorating it. She was a loving and supportive mother, wonderful homemaker, and beautiful seamstress. She loved to make new friends, host parties, play bridge, make candy, play golf, and have a Southern Comfort Manhattan with family and friends. She was a world traveler and had been through all 50 states. After the death of Tommy, she moved to Lewis County to be closer to family. Mary Ruth was affectionately known as “Me-Ma” to her granddaughters and many friends. Her smile was captivating and she always made you feel welcomed and loved. You could not leave her presence without feeling uplifted. At her 100th birthday party, she said she never realized that turning 100 would be such a blast! One of her favorite toasts was by Longfellow, of which she had her own version. “We enter life naked and bare, our journey through it with trouble and care, our exit from it, God only knows where, but if we will be alright here, we will be alright there." Her conversion to Catholicism brought great joy to her husband, Tommy. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Mission in Toledo. As her body grew weak from complications of pneumonia, her spirit was ever strong in sure trust in the promises of Christ, that His love and mercy endure forever. 

Mary Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and Archie; her beloved husband, Tommy; and brothers, Howard and Clifford Fortney. 

She is survived by her daughter, Michele McGeoghegan; her son, Michael (JoAnna) McGeoghegan; her dear "baby brother," Patrick Fortney; two granddaughters, Katie and Clare McGeoghegan; and several nieces and nephews. 

Dearest Mom, until we meet again in the life that never ends, you will be always loved and forever missed. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. Mater, requiescant in pace. Amen. 

Her funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at St. Francis Xavier Mission in Toledo. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Francis Cemetery. Funeral repast in St. Joseph Hall.