Obituary of Ruth-Ann Rich

Obituary for Ruth-Ann “Sandy” Rich (née Higgins)

January 20, 1945 – July 20, 2025

Ruth-Ann “Sandy” Rich, age 80, passed away peacefully at her home in North Billerica, Massachusetts, on July 20, 2025, following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her husband, her daughter Dyan, and her loyal cat, Christmas.

Born on January 20, 1945, in Newton, Massachusetts, Sandy was formerly a longtime resident of Waltham and Lexington. She spent many joyful summers in Marblehead, enjoying the ocean breeze at Devereux Beach with her aunts, and in Yarmouth with her beloved grandparents, Nama and Papa, who raised her. She had a love for travel, with favorite destinations including Acapulco, Mexico, and the Florida Keys.

She was the beloved wife of Allan D. Rich—her partner of over 40 years and husband of 31 years—who, despite better judgment, fell in love with a woman who came with four kids, and somehow stuck around to help raise them with patience, humor, and unwavering support.

Sandy is survived by her children: Deborah Randall (Melanson) and her husband Kevin of Ossipee, NH; Dyan Fitzgerald (Melanson) of Bellingham, MA—whose beloved fiancé, Joe Chicco, predeceased her in June 2024; Douglas Melanson and his wife Jeanne of Natick, MA; and Danielle Arthur (Melanson) and her husband Timothy of Haverhill, MA. She was a devoted grandmother to Sara Becker (Fitzgerald) and her husband Jarrid, Tori Randall, Kyle Randall, Marc Melanson, and Stephanie Melanson, and the proud great-grandmother of Ava Ramirez, Brayden Martin, and Rowan Becker.

She is also survived by her brother Phil Higgins and his children and was predeceased by her brothers Brian and Richard Higgins. She is also survived by many dear friends and neighbors.

Sandy graduated from St. Charles Catholic High School in Waltham, MA, and Fisher Junior College, where she studied to become a medical secretary. She held various professional roles throughout her life, most notably as an order coordinator at Hewlett-Packard and later as a dispatcher for MSPCA Law Enforcement in Boston, retiring in 2010.

Her deep love of animals was evident throughout her life—she raised, bred, and showed Irish Setters and had a special fondness for her Newfoundland dogs, Bailey and Eppie, who by far outweighed her petite frame. She also adored her many cats.

Sandy was known for her strong work ethic, stoic demeanor, and sharp sense of humor. She was an avid reader, especially fond of steamy romance and vampire novels. She loved a good lobster roll, and her iced coffee was legendary years before it was a staple

at Dunks. She was famously loyal to her routines, which included demanding the annual opening of the pool (whether anyone used it or not).

A wake and memorial service will be held at Burns Funeral Home, 354 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01821, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 2:00 - 4:00pm. Relatives and friends invited.MSPCA-Angell.