Ruth Quaglia

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother Ruth (Hicking) Quaglia, 87, of Manchester, beloved wife of the late John C. Quaglia Sr. Mom passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home with her family at her side, Sunday, July 19, 2015.

Ruth was born in Bolton, Dec. 29, 1927, daughter of the late Charles O. and Sarah (Doolittle) Hicking. Mom was one of 13 children. She was raised in Coventry and after marriage spent her adult life raising her family alongside dad in Manchester.

Ruth is survived by her loving family: four sons, John C. Quaglia Jr., Joseph D. Quaglia, and his wife, Susan, James P. Quaglia, and his wife, Susan, Robert C. Quaglia, all of Manchester; and a daughter, Rhonda McCarty, and her husband, Peter, of Coventry; nine loving grandchildren, Melina Usher, Jennifer Quaglia, Jodie Quaglia, Barrett Quaglia, Sarah Uerz (Ben), Lindy Quaglia, Kasey Quaglia, Randie Phillips (TJ), and Whitney Quaglia (Matt Rodgers); six special great-grandchildren, Mckenna and Brody Usher, Alphonse Bradley, Leah and Caleb Uerz, and Blake Phillips; a sister, Lillian "Betty" Lea of Manchester; and several nieces and nephews and their families, including a special niece, Karen Quaglia.

Mom was the absolute best at her vocation, the most important and difficult of all jobs, a stay-at-home mom. She was a devoted wife and a loving and nurturing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was selfless in her commitment to our dad and his health issues, providing him with many years of quality and quantity of life with amazing grace and love. It was that sacrifice of her own life to give care, joy, and comfort to everyone she knew that made her the special person she was. She was truly the happiest when she was caring for others. Mom was a fabulous cook, renowned for her baked goods that family, friends, doctors, and staff all enjoyed and often requested. She was legendary for her many specialties which included: Toll House cookies, congo bars, pies, Jello molds, Bundt cakes, raisin, zucchini, apple, and banana breads, bagnet, all sorts of fresh fruit she picked from the orchard and made into sauces, and last but not least her famous pizzelles. She was a strong woman, high spirited, and full of fun, one of a kind who will be sorely missed.

We deeply appreciate all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers with whom she entrusted her health throughout the years, especially Kim Wagner, who provided care, comfort, and love during this last year. Mom, thank you for your unconditional love. We take great comfort in knowing that you are now reunited with the love of your life, our dad.

Funeral services will be Saturday, July 25, 2015, at noon at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester. Burial will follow in East Cemetery, Manchester. Calling hours will be prior to the funeral service on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America Inc., P.O. Box 303, Middletown, CT 06457.

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