Ruth  K.  (Bjork) Leyden – 89, of North Reading and formerly of Melrose, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Wingate of Reading.

Born in Melrose, MA on February 11, 1930. She was the daughter of the late Eric and Hilda (Peterson) Bjork.

Ruth worked for the Town of North Reading Planning Department for many years. She participated on the Conservation Committee, setting up several parks in town and has been a resident of North Reading for the past 64 years.

Ruth was an avid photographer and was a member of the Merrimack Valley Camera Club. she also enjoyed traveling as well as skiing.

Family members include her loving husband of 38 years  William P. Leyden; daughters, Sandy Boulanger and her husband William of Chichester, NH and Deborah Leyden of Amesbury; her sons, William Kennedy and his wife Julie of  Derry, NH and William M. Leyden and his wife Joan of North Andover and four grandchildren, Sean Kennedy and his fiancé Emily Rose Higgs, Laura Pezone and her husband Michael, Kelly and Megan Leyden; she was the sister of the late Ernie York and Roy Bjork.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 8 at 1:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 12:45 PM. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to the American Red Cross. www.redcross.org www.croswellfuneralhome.com