Ruth DiMascio

by Shirley Clark 2010

    Ruth was raised and educated in Methuen, Massachusetts. Her introduction to buttons came in the late 60’s, when she acquired the buttons that had been stored away for many years by her sister Martha. They believe the collection had been given to their father in lieu of cash payment for grain. ( He had been a salesman for Blue Seal Grain Products.)

    There was a button club already established in the area where Ruth had set up housekeeping with her husband Alto. The Mid Hudson Button Club. Notable members making up this club were Marian Hurley, Helen Lampman, Velma Bushell, Stella Palmer, Bert Revelle and John Whiteford. Ruth couldn’t have found better company for learning about buttons and her special focus - bridle rosettes!

    My long time button traveling companion and our many hilarious adventures will be missed by all.

Shirley Clark

Here are some remembrances by fellow button collectors:

    Ruth was one of my favorite people.  Not only was she from Boston and a Red Sox fan,

she also shared my love for Lea Stein and Pavone pins.  We were always comparing our collections. Ruth sent me one of the most outrageous hats that I have ever seen.  It was from the 1940's and made completely of bird feathers.  Rather than showing a picture of it, I think I will bring it to National in Manchester and give it a place of honor in my booth! She also told some of the naughtiest dirty jokes I've heard (girl dirty jokes, not guy jokes).

Sheila Brudno

    Ruth was, in my mind, the Grande Dame of our button world. I will always remember her smiling face & twinkling eyes while she told a poignant joke while dancing a jig to show off her fun patterned stockings! There will be a huge hole left in the button world without her.

If anyone has a good picture of her please email it to me.

Deborah Hanson

    If memory serves (and sometimes it does NOT) Ruth danced briefly with Merce Cunningham (of Martha Graham Modern Dance fame). She was indeed, a Grande Dame.

Katrinka Quirk

    I will miss her.........Her sharp wit and irascible attitude.  Please let us know where we can send condolences.

Phyllis Ross

    Ruth was such a GREAT LADY ! ! !  I have pictures of her swimming in the Atlantic at the Florida show... it was almost dark... she will be missed !

Onie

    So sad, we won't have her fun loving spirit around any more.

Annie Frazier

Ruth died Dec. 12, 2009

    On Jan.15, 2010, some of Ruth’s friends had a little remembrance event for Ruth DiMascio in & near the water, because she loved to go swimming in the ocean when she was in Daytona, FL. each year in January. It has been now coined as “The DeMascio Dip”. Here are some pictures from that event plus some of Ruth and her NY button group.