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BORN
1921
DIED
2013
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Mary Ruggieri Obituary
June 12, 1921 - October 6, 2013
Mary A. Ruggieri, 92, of Modesto died on Sunday, October 6th at Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Ruggieri was a native of San Francisco, and lived in Modesto since 1956. Her college education included the University of California at Berkeley (B.A Psychology 1943), University of Minnesota (Graduate Studies, Child Welfare), and the University of Pittsburgh (M.S. in Speech and Hearing 1950). Mary later earned her teaching certificate from California State University, Stanislaus. A lifelong learner, she also took classes over the years in a wide variety of subjects such as California History, New Math for Parents, Horseback Riding, Investments, Interior Design, First Aid, Nutrition, US History and many more.
Feeling the call to serve during World War II Mary joined the Women's Army Corps receiving her basic training at Fort Oglethorpe, GA and was posted at Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington, DC and Newton D. Baker Neurological Hospital in Wheeling, WV before shipping out to serve in the occupation forces at the Yokohama America School in Japan. She was a non commissioned officer and reached the rank of Technical Sergeant. Her touching memoir of Post-War Japan "From Japan with Love" was published in 2007.
Mary started writing in 1976 and wrote short stories and articles as well as longer works of fiction and non-fiction. Her work won multiple awards including: first prize for nonfiction in the National Writer's Club Contest (1989), first prize for over 18 Non-Fiction Writers Dialog Ink Contest (1987), Writer of the Year by the Women's Compendium (1987), fourth prize for nonfiction in the National Writer's Club Contest (1984), and many more. She produced works for Reader's Theatre's Productions and her articles appeared in the Bee's Column, "Our Turn" and McClatchy News' "Senior Spectrum" and in newsletters for The Women's Compendium, AAUW, PC User Group, Stepping Stones, The Stanislaus County Commission for Women, The National Spasmodic Torticollis Association, Valley Views and the Mensa Research Journal.
Mary was a devoted Mother and Grandmother with her family always her top priority. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to always believe in themselves, reach high and dream big.
She is survived by her children, Thomas F. Ruggieri of Irvine (Frances), Richard R. Ruggieri of Berkeley (Edith), Kayte L. Ruggieri-Vesey of Modesto (Tim) and Theresa A. Ruggieri /Leighton Hare of El Dorado (Brian). She will also be missed by her 8 grandchildren Kiah, Teyah, Makiyah, Lianah, Michael, Jessica, Jenah and Samayah.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday - October 12, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at Franklin & Downs Funeral Home - 1050 McHenry Avenue in Modesto. For condolences to the family, please visit her online guestbook at www.franklindownsfuneralhome.com
Remembrances may be made to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, One East Wacker Drive, Suite 2810, Chicago, Il 60601-1905 www.dystonia-foundation.org or www.dystonia-foundation.org/donate
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Ruggieri
3 Entries
Laurel Ruddy
October 16, 2013
I meet Mary in Modesto Branch of AAUW and later attended the book bunch group that Mary led. I really enjoyed those times we got together. We often had rousing discussion regarding the text. Mary made sure that we stuck to the timer, but at times she let us go on. Mary was an intelligent, kind and generous woman. And what a great sense of humor she had! She will be missed by all, but especially her family. She was so proud of them.
October 12, 2013
I first met Mary through the American Association of University Women (AAUW)Modesto Branch. Mary was very involved with the Branch in many of their activities over the years and lead many interest groups. She was a very kind and gracious lady who would open her lovely home to many of our meetings. She was a mentor to me when I was president and I always valued her advice and expertise. My deepest sympathy to the family. Gloria Bracco
Judy Groetsema
October 9, 2013
I became acquainted with Mary through a computer club and really enjoyed knowing her. She was someone I looked up to and I am sorry to hear of her passing. She was a special lady.
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Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel1050 McHenry Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350
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