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Heather Ruel Obituary

RUEL, Heather Lee (Quadrato) Heather Lee (Quadrato) Ruel, 35, beloved wife and best friend of Scott L. Ruel and much loved daughter of Katherine (Solberg) and Joseph McCrea and the late Glen Quadrato, passed from this life to her heavenly home in the early morning of Monday (January 12, 2009), after waging a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Heather was born on July 13, 1973, in Waterbury and graduated from East Hartford High School in 1991, and Eastern CT State University in 1995 with a BS degree in both Education and Spanish. She continued her education at Southern CT State University and in 1996 received her Masters and Cross Endorsement in Special Education. Heather taught at Bright Horizons and at Six to Six Magnet School in Bridgeport before joining the Bristol School System where she taught at Clara T. O'Connell for 3 years and for the past 5 years, Heather taught in the Windsor School System at John F. Kennedy Elementary School. The greatest joys in her life were her husband and family. She enjoyed her career as a teacher touching the lives of many students. She was a true, loyal and dependable friend to many and will be sadly missed. Besides her loving and caring husband and parents, Heather is survived by a sister, Betty Quadrato of East Hartford, a brother, Glen Quadrato and his fiancé, Jennifer Miele of Arizona, her grandmothers, Alice McCrea of South Windsor and Beverly Quadrato of Oakville and a very much loved niece, Rachel Quadrato of Arizona. She also leaves her mother and father-in-law, Archie and Jacinta Ruel and many relatives and friends who showed their love and support for Heather, especially her very special friend, Nicole Wojtusik. Funeral Services for Heather will be held on Saturday, January 17, at 10 a.m. at the O'Neill Funeral Home, 742 Main Street, Oakville. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Watertown. Family and friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday evening, January 16, from 4-7 p.m. Memorial donations in Heather's memory may be made to: Connecticut Hospice Home Care, 270 Farmington Ave. Suite 235, Farmington CT 06032. For additional information, to send an e-condolence, view a family memorial video or light a virtual candle, kindly visit the funeral home's website at www.oneillfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 13, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Heather Ruel

Sponsored by Kathy & Joseph McCrea, Parents.

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Wayne & Diane Milelzcik

January 12, 2021

Kathy and Joe, May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Sorry for you loss.
Love you, Wayne & Diane Milelzcik
(East Beach friends)

July 13, 2016

Heather - A Blessed Birthday to you today. You've been gone 7 years and it still feels like yesterday. I know you are watching over everyone here. Your niece and nephew have grown so much. Rae looks just like her Aunt Heather and Rocco, who you never got a chance to meet is a little character. Someday we will all be together. Love you - Mom

Stephanie Coltrane Montjoy

November 17, 2011

Heather was a wonderful person. I remember all the family reunions and being at ( Madawaska????) Lake one summer, playing up stairs trying to keep our brothers out of the girls room. I wish so much that we lived close enough to really get to know each other better. We will have time in Heaven. We love you Heather. Stephanie Coltrane Montjoy

Mike Oken

July 28, 2011

Many many memories of Heather...
The world is a little sadder wthout her, but I'm a better person for having known her.

michelle lagasse

July 14, 2011

May Heaher rest in peace, Bst wshes to the famly..

Nicole (Roddy) Wojtusik

January 12, 2010

I can still remember the first time I met Heather as if it were yesterday. I transferred to ECSU in 1992 and she was the first person I met. Although I was nervous, she made me feel like I had been there all along and that we had been friends for years. We continued our friendship through jobs, both of our weddings, and unfortunately, her illness. We would talk every day. She would call me on her way home from work or we would call each other 30 other times. Even after a year has passed I sometimes think its her when the phone rings, or something will happen and I think to call her. She was a such great friend to so many, but to me she was my best friend, and I will never forget what a wonderful person she was, not only to me, but to everyone she touched.

Thea Gondek

January 2, 2010

I am Shana's Mom. I remember Heather being a quiet soul with a kind and passionate heart. I can still see her beautiful smile and hear her soft laugh. I am sure Heather touched many hearts, adults and children alike, who will pass on her passion for life, love and spirit into the world and make it a better place. May memories of Heather bring us peace and tranquility.

Thea Gondek

Heather New Year's 1999

January 1, 2010

Shana OSullivan

January 1, 2010

It's been almost one year since Heather passed away and I'm still in disbelief. This past year was the first time since Heather and I were 10 year's old that we didn't call one another on our respective birthdays. No matter where I was, Heather would find me to wish me a happy birthday even as we grew older. I looked forward to hearing that sweet voice that we all know so well when I was 3000 miles away from home. That last time I spoke to Heather was on my birthday in November 2008. I will never forget that day just like I will never forget the countless memories of the two of us growing up together. We had so many good laughs together...so many. She was my oldest and dearest friend and I will never forget her. She is in my dreams quite often and was in my dreams right before my wedding this past October. It was like she was a part of it. It made me smile and sad at the same time. My love to Scott and to the Quadrato/McCrea family who was like a second family to me growing up. Love always, Shana

Het & niece, Rachel - Nov 2008

December 22, 2009

ECSU Graduation

December 21, 2009

Graduation from HS

December 21, 2009

First Visit

December 21, 2009

Wedding Day

December 21, 2009

November 30, 2009

November 30, 2009

Heather, I can’t tell you how much you are missed. Your calls every day, sometimes it was for two minutes and other times, talked to you through your drive home. There are so many times that I just want to pick up the phone and talk to you. You left a whole in our hearts. Nothing seems the same. I know that you are in a better place and someday we will be together again. I am grateful for the precious time we did have with you. You have left your mark on all that knew you. This world was a much better place with you in it. Love, Mom

Christina

September 2, 2009

I met Heather when she started working at John F. Kennedy. We taught across the hall from eachother and I was always intrigued by her knowledge and love for the children. I will always remember hearing her teach and stopping to listen to her in the middle of teaching my own class. Being across the hall from one another we would frequently look over at eachother and smile knowing that we were going through the day together no matter how hard it happened to be. She is greatly missed and will live forever in our hearts and memories.

Jen (Traynor) Lima

August 7, 2009

I met Heather in 7th grade... and had some great memories with her over the years - - through middle school, high school and college. We had many great memories at proms, student council,in Burr and Noble Hall and planning reunions. The reunions were never well attended, but we always had fun. I'll never forget the DJ in spandex at the 5 year reunion... Although Heather and I went our separate ways in college, Heather said, "Jen Traynor and I will always be friends" and we were. Whenever we saw each other it was very easy to pick up like old friends. Words can not begin to desribe my sympathy for Scott and Heather's entire family. My warmest condolences to all of you. May she rest in peace.

July 30, 2009

Heather Lee was and still is, in heaven, a beautiful girl inside and out. I remember her as a baby being a cuddly bunny of a girl. She is greatly missed and loved. Aunt Beth

Shannon Moore-Labbe

July 22, 2009

I was so afraid to move to East Hartford and one of the 1st to welcome me to the neighborhood,was Heather! She was a few years older than me, but always took the time to say hello. She was a beautiful person inside and out! My prayers go out to your family! My brother said before he passed on, "Goodbye for now, but not forever!"

Heather & Sydney on Sydney's 1st Birthday...

Sarah (Loomis) Sedlock

July 22, 2009

I met Heather my first day of college and will never forget the way she looked that day. She was an amazing friend to me for 18 years and I think of her and miss her every day. Heather's loss to cancer reminds me on a daily basis of the important things in life and I tell my daughter about her very special Aunt every day. We miss you Little Q.

Heather & Shana in our 80s shades

July 19, 2009

Special Memories of Heather in middle school

July 19, 2009

Shana OSullivan

July 19, 2009

I'm not even sure where to begin - I'm still in shock that she is gone and think of her everyday. We met in the 6th grade and were inseparable during those early years. I don't even think we went a day without each other! We had our first job delivering the Hartford Courant very early in the morning in our red wagon and boom box. We laughed so much! We shared our first Motley Crue concert, highlights, sneaking our first drink and so many more memories together! Heather was such a true friend to me. I always knew that she would find me no matter where I was to wish me a happy birthday - and she was there for me when I came back to CT after college. We always stayed connected even while we each went down different paths. She will forever remain in my heart and I will hold onto all of our special memories forever. I love you my little Heather ("heater"). Love Shana

July 15, 2009

Many high school memories have Heather in them. She was a wonderful friend and always smiling. We did loose touch after HS but we re connected after seeing each other out shopping. We talked for a long time about where our lives where at. I will always remember her telling me about Scott, she was a newlywed. I will always have a special place in my heart and cherish all the memories I have of Heather.

Joel Cumento

July 15, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Heather was a wonderful person and always put a smile on people.
Belated happy birthday in heaven Heather.

Karolyn Boyd-Devaney

July 15, 2009

Although Heather and I had lost touch over the years, most of my highschool memories include Heather. From proms, to sleepovers, football games and school activites Heather was there always happy and smiling. In fact, I can't remember a day where Heather was not laughing and smiling. Everyone loved Heather. And everyone will miss her. My deepest condolences to anyone and everyone who was lucky enough to have her in their life, if even for a brief time.

Cheryl Comini

July 14, 2009

6 months and 2 days later, I still cannot find the words to express how deeply saddened I am of the loss of Heather. She was such an amazing, positive, genuine, kind hearted person. She had the sweetest squeeky voice that I wish I could hear again. She was a dear friend to me for over 20 years and consider myself lucky to have been her friend. We went through alot together and I will always cherish the memories of her and she will never be forgotten. My deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes out to Scott, her parents and the rest of her family. I hope that you find comfort knowing she is in a better place and that someday we'll all see her beautiful being again.

Mike Nash

May 6, 2009

Scott,I'm sorry for your loss.

Andrew Bennett

April 2, 2009

Heather and I worked together at ECSU. we last spoke in '94. Time and distance has no bearing on friendship; i think of her now as clearly as I did then. Heather was such a wonderful person. the world was a better place to have had her in it; although her time was too brief. God bless all those she's left behind.

Susan Ehlers

February 16, 2009

Dear Scott and all of Heather's family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan & Earl Ehlers and sons

Eileen Rondeau

February 2, 2009

Dear Scott,
You are in my thoughts.
With deepest sympathy for you and your family.
Eileen

Vera Johnson

January 29, 2009

Dear Scott, Jacinta & Archie,
Jacinta, & Scott; I have kept you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, since talking with your mom in Dr. Salome's office. I'm sorry to hear that Heather lost her battle with cancer. I no words can fill the emptiness in your hearts, but perhaps knowing that others care will help comfort you in the days and years ahead. May you find peace.
Vera Johnson [cub scout leader ]

Heather & Scott

January 24, 2009

East Hartford HS Hornets

January 24, 2009

Lynn & Kayla Rozanski

January 22, 2009

Dear Mr. Ruel,

Kayla and I were very saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Margo Carini Rivera

January 20, 2009

To the Quadrato Family,
I was very sad to hear about Heather's passing. I saw her about 3 years ago right before she got married. I was so glad to see her happy. I have so many wonderful memories of Heather in high school and in college. Heather and I were roommates in college and had so many wonderful experiences and good times. Thinking of Heather brings a smile to my face because she was such a kind hearted person. She was so sweet. my thoughts and prayres go out to her husband and her family. I feel blessed to have known her.

Cindy Gallo (D'onofrio)

January 19, 2009

Dear Scott,

I am so sorry to hear about Heathers passing. Heather and I were room-mates at ECSU and shared many wonderful times together. She was a beautiful, caring and compassionate person who touched so many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.

Sherry Thomas (Crain)

January 17, 2009

My heart is heavy to hear about Heather. I have known Heather since our High School years (EHHS) and I had the pleasure to meet up with her again at Bright Horizons. She is such a beautiful spirit. May she rest in peace. My prayers are with the family in their time of loss. May God Bless you!

Debby Miller Wilcox

January 17, 2009

I worked with Heather at Bright Horizons in Middletown. We became good friends and she was a wonderful teacher and friend. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

The Bress Family

January 16, 2009

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

WEA Windsor Education Association

January 16, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Cathy Bowen

January 16, 2009

Dear Scott, Jacinta and Archie,
My heart is heavy with the news of Heather leaving this earth due to her cancer. I know that she is in a blessed place now with God but that does not ease your sorrow. Please know that I will be praying for all of you that you find peace in having known her and know that her love and joy will always be with you in your heart. Much love to all of you.

Mike LaPorte

January 16, 2009

So sorry to hear about Heather. She was a wonderful person who I had the pleasure of knowing during our High School years. I recently heard of her illness and was sad to hear of her death. I think about her family and the tremendous loss to them. Now her pain is over and may she rest in peace.

John Roarty

January 15, 2009

I am sorry to hear of Heathers passing. She is gone but will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim Koji

January 15, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Heather's family during this time. Heather was a great friend at ESCU and will be missed.

Steve Leensvaart

January 15, 2009

I am very sad to hear about Heather's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her and the family.

Elaine Daly

January 14, 2009

Dear Quadrato and Ruel Families,
Our deepest sympathy for the passing of your dear Heather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Aunt Gerry and cousins Kerry and Elaine

Sandy Brescia-Gilbert

January 14, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. I went to EHMS and EHHS with Heather. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Shontell Perry-Stewart

January 14, 2009

My prayers go out to the family of Heather. I also went to High School and East Hartford Middle school with Heather, I remember her attending my pajama party in Middle school and how much fun we had. Heather will be missed!

Amy Wright

January 14, 2009

Scott and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. We were all blessed to know such an amazing person. Heather will be missed terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Amy Wright

Jasmine - Nalani Marcelino

January 14, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mrs. Ruel was a great person and teacher. My daughter Nalani Marcelino had her as a teacher at JFK and misses her a lot.

Jessie Gibson (student JFK)

January 14, 2009

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Danna Dyer

January 14, 2009

I, too, worked with Heather at JFK. The children loved her, as did she them. The students and the staff were lucky to be blest by her bright aura, and passion for her profession. I was hoping for a miracle...but I heard she did get to swim with the dolphins!! Heather, you will be remembered, with love and great respect.

chuck willard

January 13, 2009

to Heather's family- i am deeply sorry for your loss. Heather was a great person. She will never be forgotten.

Mrs&Mr Lee

January 13, 2009

Dear Reul & Quadrato family,

My name is Elijah and Mrs Reul was my 1st grade teacher 4 years ago. I am so sorry and sad that Mrs Reul will no longer be here with us. Mrs Reul was my favorite teacher she always made me feel good about myself. I'm going too miss you so much Mrs Reul. Your student Elijah

Kelly (Duffy) Birrell

January 13, 2009

Scott,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Heather and I became friends at ECSU and shared many great experiences.

Heather, my friend, so full of life....I thank you for your friendship and will treasure our time together.

Rosie Rodriguez

January 13, 2009

My heart goes out to your family at this hour. May you find peace and serenity during this time. I was in Heather's EHHS Class of 91.

Wendy Bailey

January 13, 2009

Our deepest sympathy in your loss. Heather was a wonder person and teacher. Although our children did not have her as a teacher, Eric and i had the pleasure of working with her through the JFK PTO. She will be missed .

Sue Racicot

January 13, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Heather's passing. We used to work together at Bath & Body Works and she always made the work day brighter. Her laugh and her smile were infectous. She was a beautiful woman and your lives are so blessed for having shared in her 35 short years. May she rest in peace now and may God bless you.

Patty Bisacky

January 13, 2009

Scott,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family. Take care,

Patty, Al, Rachel and Lauren Bisacky

Sherry Richters

January 13, 2009

Heather, my friend and very special colleague. . . When Heather first came to Windsor and JFK, her enthusiasm was evident in every early morning encounter, where she was willing to share every little and big thing that she knew. As her Literacy Coach, I often wondered who was coaching whom! Her intelligence, integrity, passion and dedication in helping all of her students achieve success was a very special gift. It was a privilege to work with her and I am saddened that no other students will be receiving her knowledgeable touch.


(Former Literacy Coach at JFK)

Janine Barbour & Tyler Hilliker

January 13, 2009

Mr. Ruel & Family,

It is always most difficult for those who are closest to a loved one and those who are left behind. Please take comfort in the fact that you were with Heather to witness her many accomplishments in life, and please know that she is now at Home, safe and free of all pain, and smiling down upon you all. May God Bless and keep you all during this most difficult time of loss.

Ashlee & Kari-Ann White

January 13, 2009

Mr. Ruel & Betty (Family)

We are sorry for your loss. Heather will be missed, but always in our hearts.

Love,

Ashlee White

January 13, 2009

Mr. Ruel & Betty (family)

I am sorry for your loss. Heather will be missed, but always in our heart.

Love,

Kelly Getman

January 13, 2009

I send my deepest sympathy to Heather's family. I was able to work with Heather at JFK in Windsor. She was such a wonderful and caring teacher. Heather will be greatly missed and touched so many people.

Kelly Crosse

January 13, 2009

My prayers and wishes of happier hearts are extended to the friends and family of Heather. We'd lost touch after high school but I always had wonderful memories of times spent with her. She was always happy and smiling, could put you at ease and had a terrific sense of humor. She will be missed by many.

My most sincere condolences,

Denise Thibodeau-Wojick

January 13, 2009

Scott & Heather's Family

It saddens to know that Heather is no longer with us. I will cherish our childhood memories forever. She is loved by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Denise

Lynn Walytok

January 13, 2009

I worked with Heather at Six to Six many years ago. She was a kind young lady. I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear that she is gone. She is in better place. I hope God will give you the strength to get through this very difficult time.
May you get the peace you all need.

Lynn Walytok

Jeffrey Colvin(Class of 1991)

January 13, 2009

Quadrato family,

Sorry to hear about Heather. I unfortunately had lost touch with her after high school EHHS class of 91. But I rememeber her fondly from having her in my classes. Wonderful woman and always very nice to me throughout the years. My thoughts are with you in this sad time.

Nancy Torretta

January 13, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of this. It is a loss for all. Heather will always be remembered as altruistic, loving and fun. Betty, I will keep you and my family in my prayers.

Audrey Corona - Thibodeau

January 13, 2009

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Heather. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

~Audrey

Cynthia Soto

January 13, 2009

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I went to Eastern with Heather. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Mary Morris

January 13, 2009

I am very sorry for your loss. Heather is going to missed. There are such good memories that will never be forgotten. Again, I am very sorry for your loss.

Chrissy Huydic

January 13, 2009

I had the pleasure of working with Heather at Six To Six magnet School.She was a wonderful friend and teacher.She will truly be missed.Her family and friends are in my prayers.

Tonya Plefka

January 13, 2009

To Heather's Family,

I am very sorry for your loss and Heather will be truly missed. I went to EHHS with Heather and she was in botany/zoology class with me. She was also over my house several times. I am very saddened by this news. I did not know Heather was sick and I wish I could have been there for her, to help her through her courageous battle. Heather was a ray of sunshine to me and everyone she encountered. I will never forget her smile and how her smile lit up her eyes, never forget her laugh, her giggle and how much she loved life. I am very Blessed to have known her and I will never forget the light she shared with me and with the world. She was such a giving, caring, charismatic, radiant, loving person and she changed the lives of everyone she encountered. Heather, you were a tremendous person and an amazing woman! You will forever be in my heart!

Denise Rivera

January 13, 2009

Betty & Family - I'm sorry to hear about Heather, she will be missed dearly. What a wonderful person she was & is, definitely touched many of us. You are all in our thoughts & prayers. God Bless.

Denise (Wojcik) Rivera - Class of 91

Stacy Jenkins-Murphy

January 13, 2009

Our Prayers are with your family and close friends. May you find strength and healing in the prayers offered to our sovereign God.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted...Psalm 34:18

Rosemarie Miller

January 13, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child..
With deepest sympathy during this time of difficulty.
May God bless and keep you in this time of sorrow.

Rosemarie Miller (JFK school)

Ed Szydlowski

January 13, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of your terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Betty Quadrato

January 13, 2009

She was the best sister in the world and will be very missed. I Thank everyone for thier sympathies and condolences.

Jodi Corbin

January 13, 2009

Scott,
I am very sorry for your loss. I just recently found out that your wife was sick. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Stephanie Lukacs

January 13, 2009

I had the pleasure of working @ Kennedy School with Heather the last 2 years. I will always remember her bright smile. She was truly a wonderful, caring person. She will be missed.

Sincerely, Stephanie Lukacs

Kristen Ulrich

January 13, 2009

I am so Sorry for the lost of Heather. I remember her from High School always happy and smiling. Betty you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember her. Kristen Carlson Ulrich

Kelly Pelletier(DelMastro)

January 13, 2009

Betty and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember her smile and how sweet she was when I first met her back in high school.

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