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BORN
1952
DIED
2011
FUNERAL HOME
Connie Rutkowski Obituary
Beloved wife of Anthony. Devoted mother of Chad, Nate, Kate and Jake. Loving grandmother of Emma, Shane, Calvin, Luke and Layla. Dear sister of John McNamee, Jr. and Dorothy McNamee. Also survived by nieces, nephews and many friends.
Mrs. Rutkowski was a CCD teacher, past president of St. Teresa Altar & Rosary Society, and founding member of the Three French Fries.
The smell of gardenias reminded her of the Disney World Polynesian. When she drove through the marshes to the shore, everyone had to roll their windows down and smell. She did not believe in coincidences. Whenever she saw a butterfly, she believed her mom was visiting her from heaven.
She loved turtles, and had a special devotion to Blessed Kateri, a member of the Mohawk Turtle Clan. She loved margaritas, but just one. She was enchanted by New Orleans.
Everyone was welcome at her table, and they flocked to it. She was a second mother to high school friends, wayward law students, and neighborhood urchins. She made a mean meatball for an Irish woman. You couldn't see the grass for the eggs during her Easter Egg hunts, and every Christmas tree ornament had a story.
Her favorite art works were the Polish Madonna (the one where she's hanging laundry) and Parrish's Girl on a Swing. She was the closest thing James Taylor had to a groupie. Music played in her mind when she walked, and her lullabies linked generations.
She was gentle, unless you knocked her plate off the wall, then God help you (trust us on this one). She gave Christmas socks to her nurses.
She was an expert traveler and accompanied Anthony to San Antonio, Maui, Colorado, San Francisco, New Orleans, and many, many other places besides.
She showed her children how to look at the world, really look. She gave her children the space they needed to grow, and the encouragement to pursue their dreams and be fulfilled.
She enjoyed tea parties, built legos, and played bingo and board games with modified rules. Her prize basket was bottomless, and she adored and was adored by her grandchildren.
She fought cancer like a street brawler. She had nothing left undone. She didn't want anything different; she just wanted more.
There will be a viewing from 6 to 9pm Thursday eve and 8:15 to 9:15am Friday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.
Funeral Mass 10am Friday at Holy Child Parish, St. Teresa's RC Church, Runnemede.
Entombment St. Joseph's Mausoleum, Chews Landing.
Donations may be made in Mrs. Rutkowski's memory to the Ronald Mc
Memories and Condolences
for Connie Rutkowski
Linda Leonard
September 17, 2011
Dear Anthony and Family,
I am Margie's aunt and only met Connie several times. However, I heard many times what a truly wonderful person she was. All my prayers and sympathy go out to you at this very sad time.
Bob and Mary Thomas
September 10, 2011
Dear Anthony and Family,
We just learned of Connie's passing and are so sad for your loss. Connie was a kind caring woman filled with a spirit that can not be described. We were blessed with the opportunity to work with both you and Connie on St.Teresa's Pre Cana Team for many years. She was a wonderful lady who touched the lives of all those who knew her. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
David Erfert
September 9, 2011
Nate, I am very sorry for the loss of your mother. My deepest sympathies are with you. I wish you and your family strength during this difficult perod.
Betsy Cook
September 8, 2011
I am certain your mom prayed for me even when I might have argued she really didn't need to, in times of no apparent hardship or pending trouble, which is a very special gift. Caring was an everyday routine for her.
I am praying for her right now, and you, her family. You have my deepest sympathy.
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September 8, 2011
Anthony, Chad, Nate, Kate & Jake,
Connie was a very special lady. She will be missed very much. She has touched so many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Connie was an inspiration to us all. She really knew how to live life to the fullest.
Bob, Sue, Brian and Robby Hawn
Mary Juavinett
September 8, 2011
Dear Jake and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Love
Mary, Joe and Ashley Juavinett
Family
Stacey Rutkowski
September 8, 2011
Emma's 1st Communion
Stacey Rutkowski
September 8, 2011
Sisters
Stacey Rutkowski
September 8, 2011
Family
Stacey Rutkowski
September 8, 2011
Sisters
Stacey Rutkowski
September 8, 2011
Emma's 1st Communion
Stacey Rutkowski
September 8, 2011
Elaine Flacco
September 8, 2011
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Rutkowski family. We knew Connie, or as we called her, Mrs. Rutkowski, through St. Teresa's CCD program. She was my son's 2nd grade religious ed. teacher. Connie was a kind, compassionate and caring person. We will miss her. RIP Connie. Your are now in the arms of the Lord. Elaine, Donnie & Dominick Flacco
James Mundie
September 8, 2011
Connie was a truly wonderful woman who will be missed by all who knew her. My deepest condolences to her family and many friends.
Marie House
September 8, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God give you the strength to get through this. May God give you Peace.
Steve Wood
September 8, 2011
Dear Tony and family:
I am very sorry to hear of Connie's passing. I always thought she was awesome and I hope, in time, your pain turns to chersihed memories.
My deepest sympathy,
Steve Wood
Jack & Barbara Thomas
September 8, 2011
Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time of grieving.
September 8, 2011
surely a beautiful person...our prayers are with ur family. rita pusey
FRAN JUDY LAFFERTY
September 8, 2011
ANTHONY CHAD NATE KATIE JAKE WE HAVE LOST OUR DEAREST FRIEND. SHE WAS TRULY AS THE SONG HAS SAID 'GENTEL WOMEN'.CONNIE AND I DID SO MUCH TOGEATHER. CCD ALTAR AND ROSARY AND K OF C ACTIVITS.I AM SO GLAD FRAN AND I GOT TO SHARE JAKES PARTY WITH ALL OF YOU. GOD BLESS YOU, FRAN AND JUDY LAFFERTY
September 7, 2011
Anthony and Family,
Our deepest sympathy and prays are with you.
Sal&Marie Gagliardi, Runnemede
Connie and her family at Anthony's Surprise Birthday Party 9-26-11
Connie Rutkowski
September 7, 2011
Anthony's Surprise Birthday Party 9-26-11
Connie Rutkowski
September 7, 2011
Bill & Elaine Zuber
September 7, 2011
An Angle has been called back to God. We will all miss you Connie. Thank You for sharing your life with us. It is a Blessing to have you and your Family as Friends. Our Condolences to the Family. We share you sorrow very much.
Barbara Lis/Perovich
September 7, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Rutkowski family. May God give you strength as he makes way for his new angel.
Joan Spiers
September 7, 2011
Anthony, Chad, Nate, Kate & Jake,
Connie was one of the most kind, compassionate, caring and spiritual persons I know. She was always giving. I had the priviledge of getting to know her and love her through Altar & Rosary, the Lawn Festival, the Christmas Bazaar and Spaghetti dinners. She will be truly missed, I hope you find comfort in all the good, happy memories you have of her. We have another Angel in heaven now.
Our Love and Prayers to you.
Joanie, Sean, Lauren and Pee Wee Spiers
Amy Auker
September 7, 2011
Anthony, Chad, Nathan, Katie, and Jake,
Connie was a truly beautiful person - always smiling, always had a kind word, never complaining. Taken away much much too soon. We're thinking of all of you, and we'll miss her too.
John Falco
September 7, 2011
Chad & Family-
My condolences to you all. Please know you are in our thoughts.
September 7, 2011
Tony,
Im so sorry to hear about your wife. May god bless you and help you and your family at this time. I did'nt know Connie but reading the obit.she sounds like a wonderful person.
Nancy Hypolite Conocophillips
Bill and Lee Batting
September 7, 2011
Tony and Nate,
Truly sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences to your whole family.
John Stires
September 7, 2011
Anthony & Family, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.
Nancy Jeannette
September 7, 2011
Anthony and family,
Connie was truly "one of a kind"!! She was an amazing women. I had the pleasure of following her as Altar and Rosary President, and she gave me such guidance and support. She was a pleasure to work along side of at the Carnival and many of the Altar and Rosary functions. She holds a very special place in my heart.
Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Mrs. R was like a second mother to so many of us. We will miss her dearly. So sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary-Kay Auge
September 6, 2011
Having fun at Rosemary's 60th birthday party.
Mary-Kay Auge
September 6, 2011
Debbie Guetens Heinsey
September 6, 2011
Chad/Nate & Family - Growing up your mom was one of my mom's away from home since I didn't have one at home for a good chunk of my childhood. I shed some tears when I read that she was gone. May you find peace at this difficult time knowing she is now at peace herself. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debra Cavalieri
September 6, 2011
Chad and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you upon the passing of your mother. Keep making her proud!!
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