Minerva Makula-Ruemmeley

Minerva Makula-Ruemmeley, 75, of New Haven, CT died unexpectedly at her home on Friday, November 7, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Charles Ruemmeley. Minerva was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on May 4, 1950, a daughter of the late Antonio Figueroa and the late Isabel Zambrana and had had resided in Long Island City, Queens, NY before moving to New Haven in 2008. She was a bank administrator for Asteria Federal Savings Bank, Queens for twenty five years, retiring in 2012.

Minerva was a woman whose laughter could fill a room and whose love could heal a heart. Born in Puerto Rico, she carried the warmth of the island in her spirit-vibrant, strong and full of rhythm. She built her life in New York, raising three strong boys and shaping generations with her strength, honesty, and endless love. In time she found peace in Connecticut, where her beautiful soul was called home.

She was a mother of three boys, a grandmother to many, and family to everyone who had the blessing of knowing her. She sang her heart out at karaoke, turning every song into a story and every crowd into family. She loved to travel and explore new places, to taste life one restaurant at a time. Her dog was her loyal companion, always by her side. She never left the house without her makeup just right, and her favorite perfume in the air-the scent of confidence, grace and class. And when the lights of the casino called, she answered with that same sparkle in her eyes. She was joy. She was love. She was the glue that held hearts together.

Though her voice is silent now, her song still plays in every memory she left behind-a melody of strength, laughter, and unconditional love that will echo through generations. Rest easy, beautiful soul. Your light will never fade.

In addition to her husband Charles, Minerva is survived by a son, Carl (Maribel) Makula, Jr. of North Haven, two step-daughters, Alexandria Ruemmeley of Kissimmee, FL and Elizabeth A. Ruemmeley of Orlando, FL, one step-son, Charles A. "Carlito" Ruemmeley of Yonkers, NY, four grandchildren, Madison Makula, Cheyenne (Drew) Hooper, Milena Makula and Michael Makula, three great-grandchildren, Leyla Hooper, Georgia Rose Hooper and Drew Hooper, Jr., five step-grandchildren, Makayla and Alany Hernández, Joel Avegno, Saviel Pérez and Santana, one step-great-granddaughter, Reign Aria Romero, and her furry four legged companion "Chloe". She was predeceased by her first husband Carl Joseph Makula, Sr., two sons, John Joseph Makula and Jason Daniel Makula, two sisters, Blanca Torres and Doris Figueroa, four brothers, Héctor, Jorge, Quique and José Antonio Figueroa, and her grandson Carl Joseph Makula, III.

Minerva's family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, November 15th from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday, November 16th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Burial will be private. www.washingtonmemorialfh.com