Ruth Treen

Ruth Treen died peacefully on July 13, 2025 at the age of 95. She was born August 21, 1929 in Harvey, Illinois to Karl and Jessie Treen. Their fourth and youngest child, she had wild curly hair and a tendency to veer off the expected path.
Ruth graduated from the University of Illinois in Champagne-Urbana. The highlight of her studies was playing the lead in the university’s production of Romeo and Juliet. Ruth continued to be active in the theater, but she often stated that she couldn’t imagine her life without music. She began playing the piano at a young age with lessons from her mother. She went on to become an organist, deftly flying between the keyboards, stops, and foot pedals. She had an uncanny ability to sight read music, which served her well.
Ruth’s career was dedicated to teaching, directing plays and musicals, providing music for church services, and producing concerts. She was passionate about choral directing. Members of her groups often thanked her for the profound experiences they had creating plays and music with her.
She worked in the Groton Public Schools and at the Applewild School, where she pioneered integrating the arts in her classes and performances. She founded “Hot Stock” summer theater in Groton, giving many children their first opportunity to be on the big stage. She cofounded the Nashoba Valley Chorale in 1976, now in its 50th year.
Ruth moved from Groton to Chatham on Cape Cod, a beautiful place she dearly loved. She continued as a church organist and choir director, and began her famous “Pilgrim Pops” choral concerts each summer. She was gifted at putting together programs of music to support a special theme. Many on the Cape have fond memories of singing under her inspired and joyful direction. Ruth cofounded the Chatham Music Club in 1999 in order to provide concerts and youth scholarships for local musicians. This group continues to grow and thrive.
Ruth was known for her kindness and positive attitude. Her desire to learn new things carried her through a life rich with friendships and love of family.
Ruth is survived by her children Jennifer Blackman (Oliver) of Waterville, Vermont, Andrea Kovalencik of Nantucket, and Christopher Wise of Chatham, her grandsons Alan Blackman  (Lily) of Seattle, Washington and Lukas Wise of Chatham, her great grand daughter Jo Grainger Blackman of Seattle, and stepchildren Kitty Wise (Robert) of Los Angeles, Miranda Wise of San Diego, and Tad Wise (Lily) of Bearsville, New York. She was predeceased by husbands Dave Braun and Terry Wise, as well as a dear son in law Allen Kovalencik.
The day Ruth was born her father wrote, “May you live 95 years and your earthly crown be filled with many jewels.” Ruth did exactly that. If you are her friend or a member of her family, you are one of those sparkling jewels.
Ruth’s life will be celebrated at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House at 819 Main Street in Chatham, MA at two o’clock on Saturday, September 20. The Chatham Music Club would like to offer a scholarship in her name to a young musician next spring. Contributions may be sent to chathammusicclub.com for the Ruth Treen Scholarship, or to The Chatham Music Club,1 Seastrand Way, Unit 1, Chatham, MA 02663. 
Ruth’s family would like to thank the staff at Liberty Commons and at Broad Reach Hospice for their compassionate care.