PORTSMOUTH, NH – Ruth Ann Puza of Portsmouth NH passed away on November 11th, 2025, at the ripe age of 88, of natural causes.
Ruth was born in Westfield Massachusetts to her parents Marion (Chambers) Meagher and Sylvester Wallace Meagher. She has a brother James Paul Meagher, and was predeceased by her sister Kathryn Mary (Meagher) Cline.
She graduated from Westfield High School in 1955. She pursued an education in the nursing field and graduated from Smith Vocational School of Nursing as an LPN. Later on in life she went to the New York University and earned a certificate as an Antique Appraiser.
Ruth had many interests throughout her life. She loved art, had a great appreciation for beauty and nature and she loved the sea. Ruth’s friends were very important to her; her faith was extremely important to her and her family was her rock. She was so proud of her family and loved them dearly.
Ruth started an Antique business ‘Ruth Puza Antiques.’ She had a shop and did many antique shows; she formed long-lasting friendships with her fellow antique dealers.
Ruth married her high school sweetheart, William Joseph Puza Jr. They had four children, Ruth Theresa Puza of Contoocook NH, William Patrick Puza of Buxton Maine married to Margaret (Phaneuf) Puza, Mark Puza of Chesterfield Massachusetts married to Susan Francis (White) Puza and there is their youngest and better looking, brown eyed baby boy John Puza of N. Swanzey NH married to Cindy (Campbell) Puza.
Ruth also has seven grandchildren, Matthew F. Puza, Kelly F. Puza, Nathan P. Puza and Grant W. Puza, Caitlin (Campbell) Frost, Chelsey Campbell, and Nathan Campbell.
She also has eleven great-grandchildren, Jackson Ugarte, Cody Ugarte, Wyatt Puza, Ezra R. Phillips, William M. Phillips, Norah M. Phillips, Nora M. Puza, Bentley R. Frost, Axel J. Frost, Kennedy L. Frost, and Finn T. Campbell.
Ruth lived in Portsmouth at the Keefe House for 21 years. This location was perfectly suited for her as she was near the ocean that she so enjoyed. She made some pretty special friendships while living there. It was also a central hub for her family and friends to visit.
Ruth will be so deeply missed by her family, for she brought so much love, kindness and acceptance to all those who knew her. We all know that she is at peace, after having lived a rich and loving life!
Ruth was a parishioner at Corpus Christi Parish. A Catholic mass will be held at Corpus Christi Parish, December 12th at 10 a.m., located at 98 Summer Street, Portsmouth, NH.
Donations may be made in Ruth’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org
