Ruth J. Lamontagne

Pawtucket – Ruth J. (Cote) Lamontagne, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Clermond “Clem” J. Lamontagne who predeceased her in 1998. Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Roland, Sr. and Mary Jane (Groulx) Cote.

Ruth’s life was a beautiful journey filled with love, adventure, friendship, and family. She was married in 1956 to Wilfrid Begin at the tender age of 18 and soon after headed west to California, where she welcomed her first child, Kit, at 19. Chuck and Craig followed in quick succession, and before long, Ruth and her growing family returned east, eventually settling in Amesbury in 1964. There, she completed her family with the arrival of her baby girl, Mary Jane. Life in Amesbury was full and busy. Ruth worked at the family’s pizza and sub shop, always managing to balance work and the chaos of raising four lively children. When the shop was sold, she shifted gears to help manage the family’s real estate business, keeping the operation running smoothly—something she had a true knack for.

In 1973, Ruth and her family embarked on another exciting venture: opening and running the Amesbury Hockey Arena. As the office and business manager, her sharp organization and welcoming personality made her an integral part of the rink’s success until 1978. By the early 1980s, Ruth was ready for a new chapter. She moved north to Maine to begin a life of her own, taking on a role as purchasing agent for the Osteopathic Hospital in Waterville. It was there she met Clem, her soon-to-be husband, and the two married in 1984. Twelve years later, they made their way south to Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Though Ruth sadly lost Clem just two years later, she remained in Pawtucket, where she built a rich and fulfilling life surrounded by friends and family.

Ruth worked at Sturdy Memorial Hospital until the age of 70, a testament to her tireless work ethic and generous spirit. Even after retiring, she never slowed down. She was an avid traveler, exploring the world through cruises and trips to Italy, Greece, China, and beyond—always in the company of dear friends or family. She treasured her friendships deeply. From her early days in Amesbury, she was part of a close-knit group of women loving women lovingly known as “The Club” (originally the “Stork Club”), who shared the ups and downs of raising families and navigating life together. Those friendships remained a cornerstone of her happiness.

One of Ruth’s greatest joys was time spent with family. In 2005, she began a beloved tradition of renting a camp on Salmon Lake in Maine every August—a week filled with laughter, memories, and togetherness that continued for nearly 20 years. She loved planning these gatherings, often months in advance, sharing the details and excitement with her son Kit. Ruth was also known for her competitive spirit—especially at the cribbage table. Fierce, sharp, and never one to let you win easily, she played with the same heart and determination she brought to every part of her life.

They say the greatest form of art is a life well lived. In that sense, Ruth was a true artist—crafting a life full of love, laughter, resilience, and joy~

Ruth leaves three children, Christopher Begin of Farmington, Maine, Charles Begin of Fremont, New Hampshire, and Mary Jane Begin of Barrington, Rhode Island; seven grandchildren, Kyle, Kate, Dan, Sawyer, Kelly, Gates and Liam; three great-grandchildren, Oliver, Silas and Caroline, and many nieces and nephews. She was the loving mother of the late Craig Marshall Begin, grandmother of the late Craig Michael Begin, and the sister of the late Doris, Alice and Roland Cote, Jr.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend VISITATION beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket followed by a Eulogy at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment at Notre Dame Cemetery will follow. In her memory, flowers may be sent, or donations can be made to the Holy Family Parish Food Bank at 195 Walcott Street, Pawtucket, RI (401-724-9190). www.TrippFuneralHome.com