WOLCOTT- It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of Mrs. Ruth “Honey” (Synnott) James, age 81 shares the news of her peaceful passing on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family, friends, and beloved fur baby Scotty curled up by her side after a well fought battle with Alzheimer’s. She was the widow of Gordon W. James Jr.

Ruth was born on January 15th, 1945, in Waterbury, CT, the daughter of the late John H. and Ruth (Kenney) Synnott. She lived in Watertown, CT for 40+ years moving to Wolcott 6 years ago to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren. A proud graduate of Sacred Heart High School, she then attended Southern CT State University where she studied Early Childhood Education. Ruth devoted much of her early career to mentoring children at the Waterbury Day Nursery, a job that filled her with great joy. After she married Gordon and her daughters were born, she devoted her time to raising them full time and finding her true passion as a wife, mom, executive cook/baker and chief budget officer of the household. Once her daughters were grown, she continued working with children by becoming a nanny to several local families. Ruth was known for her love of family and infectious sense of humor. She brought joy to every occasion. Whether she was cooking her famous baked beans for family gatherings, whipping up a batch of her renowned congo bars, or creating her wooden crafts, she poured love into everything she did.

Her fondness for 50’s music highlighted her upbeat spirit, as she often proclaimed it was the original rock 'n' roll. But perhaps the role that brought her the most happiness was that of "Grammy." Ruth cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, always lighting up when they walked through her door. Also important to her was her Irish heritage and strong catholic faith, often identifying as an “Irish Catholic.”

She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020 and handled the diagnosis with incredible grit, dignity and grace – worrying only about those around her instead of herself. She was the first person in the State of CT to receive a new FDA approved Alzheimer’s medication in 2023, paving the way early on for others to easily follow her path. Ruth was always so upbeat in spite of her diagnosis and not only adopted the phrase – “We have to have a sense of humor,” but truly lived it.

In this time of sorrow, let us remember Ruth for her selflessness, her laughter, and her warmth; qualities that made her a loving mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and dear friend. She will forever remain in our hearts and will continue to live on in each and every person whose lives she touched.

Left to honor and cherish her memory are her children, Lisa James-Piascik and her husband, Todd of Waterbury, and Lori James of Wolcott. She also leaves her brothers, Jack Synnott and his late wife Kathy of Wolcott, and Rick Synnott and his wife Liz of Winsted. She also leaves her grandchildren, Derek Piascik and his husband, Diego, and Arianna Piascik, as well as her nephew, Shawn, and his wife, Amanda Synnott, and their son, Brayden, in addition to other extended family members and many friends.

Funeral Services for Mrs. James will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St, Waterbury, CT 06704. Those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Ruth's family on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury. To honor Ruth's memory, donations to the Blessed Michael McGivney Center for Renewal, c/o The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St, Waterbury, CT 06720, would be greatly appreciated by her family. Please make checks payable to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church and list “McGivney Center” in the memo section of the check. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Ruth to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts.