Ruth C. MacDonald 1931 - 2008 Lebanon, N.H. Ruth C. MacDonald, 77, of Mascoma Street died at Alice Peck Day Hospital on Saturday, June 14, 2008 after prolonged illness. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1931, Ruth began a career in real estate and insurance following her graduation from high school. She was intensely proud of being able to go it alone in a man's world, achieving self-realization and earning her broker's and underwriter's licenses before emigrating to Newfane, Vt., in 1967 where she became involved in the field of special education. Graduating from Antioch Graduate School with triple certification in counseling, elementary and special education, she went on to earn her CAGS from UVM. While teaching at Brattleboro Union Junior High School, she created innovative special education programs.Subsequently, she was invited to become principal of the Brattleboro Retreat's Meadows School which she lead for over 20 years before her retirement. Ruth delved into her avocations with the same intensity with which she pursued her careers. She was an avid reader and served as a trustee of Lydia Taft Pratt Library in Dummerston, Vt. For many summers she attended workshops in arts and crafts at the Fletcher Farms in Ludlow. Herbal studies were another of her delights which lead to her open a small shop and mail-order business, Calico Herbs of Newfane, Vt. In later years, her love of antiques lead her to establish several retail stalls in Vermont and New Hampshire. Ruth retired to Lebanon to live with her daughter, Claudia and husband David Simard, and granddaughter, Lauren. She is also survived by her former husbands, George Trimm of Florida, and Lee Hammond of Lebanon, N.H. FUNERAL NOTICE: Private services will be observed by the family. Memorial donations may be made to the Extended Care Facility of Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, 125 Mascoma St., Lebanon, NH 03766. RICKER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY of Lebanon NH assisted with arrangements. Ricker Funeral Home & Crematory, P.O. Box 549, Lebanon, NH 03766