Obituary: Ruth Anne Bleakney, Director of Milford Senior Center

Ruth Anne Bleakney, longtime director of the Milford Senior Center, was a constant presence at the facility and a strong advocate for senior services.

Mrs. Bleakney died Wednesday, April 17 of cancer, according to an obituary published by Edwards Memorial Funeral Home. She was 66. The which she directed since 1988, will be renamed in her memory, at the request of the Milford Council on Aging.

The Milford Board of Selectmen authorized the renaming Monday.

The board had a moment of silence for her at the beginning of their meeting. "She was a wonderful advocate to the seniors of the community," said Brian Murray, chairman of the board.

Mrs. Bleakney, a native of New Jersey, was educated at Pierce Junior College in Philadelphia. She was appointed director of the Milford Senior Center in 1988, and previously was director of the senior center in Bellingham, according to her obituary.

Mrs. Bleakney is survived by her husband of 44 years, Kenneth Bleakney, one daughter, Elizabeth, son-in-law Victor Zevallos, and two granddaughters. Mrs. Bleakney was predeceased by her daughter, Erica L. Bleakney, who died in November 2012.

A funeral mass will be noon Friday in the upper church of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Visiting hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Edwards Memorial Funeral Home.