Patricia Ruppel

Patricia Ruppel: A Vibrant "Patchwork" Life of Love and Service Patricia Ruppel of Mastic Beach was known by her family, friends, and community as a remarkable woman with special talents for sewing -- especially quilts -- crocheting, cooking, and helping anyone in need. She had a longstanding commitment to supporting and working with children and adults with intellectual disabilities. And it is impossible to think of Pat without recalling her great sense of humor. Pat died suddenly and unexpectedly at age 68 on Nov. 21, 2019 at Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue. The quilt of Pat's life includes many highlights: mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, pet mother, special education teaching assistant, support professional for special needs adults; exceptional culinary and craft ability; community volunteer. And her love of dogs. Pat's career included positions at Just Kids Early Childhood Learning Center in Middle Island, Cedar Lodge Nursing Home in Center Moriches, and Maryhaven Center of Hope in Manorville. She was honored for her various volunteer work, most recently helping homeless families and children in Suffolk County. This past summer, Pat helped organize a back-to-school backpack project for hundreds of children in Mastic/Mastic Beach. Over the years, she cooked and served countless meals, and this Thanksgiving she was scheduled to deliver turkeys to local families. Homes throughout the country are warmed by her quilts, afghans, and blankets, and their front doors brightened by her seasonal fabric and craft decorations. Pat especially delighted in making dresses, dolls and doll clothes, and would sew everything for everyone, from award-winning Halloween costumes (for children and grownups alike) to super-sized bright stuffed holiday animals to delicate crocheted washcloths and scarves. Pat's culinary and management skills were professionally recognized in her role as Kitchen Supervisor at Cedar Lodge, and personally relished by those who sampled her Christmas cookies. She annually created a delicious assortment, and was commissioned to make gift plates for teachers throughout Long Island. Her tiny cookie "gingerbread" houses, made lovingly with the hands of little helpers and mounds of white icing, brightened countless classrooms and Christmas trees. Pat was predeceased by her husband William Ruppel. She is survived by her son Tim Taphouse, his wife Elena, their children James and Julia; her son Chris Taphouse, his wife Colleen and their children Steven, Ryan, Jessica and Conner, and Steven's family; her brother John Owens and his family; and many cousins. She is also missed by Molly, her cherished Wheaten Terrier, rescued by Pat from a shelter in Tennessee and known as the most affectionate 60-pound "lapdog." Her previous marriage to Ronald Taphouse ended in divorce. Born in Huntington, N.Y. to the late John J. and Florence Corsa Owens, Pat was raised in East Northport and graduated from Northport High School in 1969. She was a lifelong resident of Suffolk County, with a wide network of friends. Many of her friendships were formed during her career in compassionate care, where her unique sense of humor and bright smile engaged those around her. Funeral arrangements were made by Roma Funeral Home in Shirley, with interment at Calverton National Cemetery alongside her beloved husband Bill.