Miriam A. Kindle

Miriam A. Kindle, a deeply beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished friend, peacefully departed this life on November 1, 2025, surrounded by the warmth of her family's embrace. Born on May 21, 1936, in West Warwick, Rhode Island, Miriam was the revered daughter of the late Frank S. Kindle and Evelyn R. (Petrocelli) Kindle.

Miriam's legacy is carried on by her devoted children: Colleen M. (Ruzzo) Littlefield, Victoria R. (Ruzzo) Metz, Glenn J. Ruzzo, and Gregory M. Ruzzo. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Kenneth P. Ruzzo. She is survived by her loving sister, Sheila M. (Kindle) Smith, and joins her late brother, James Kindle. Miriam's profound impact extends to her numerous grandchildren: Robin Leahy, Elizabeth Littlefield, Sabrina Brownlee, Rocco Ruzzo, Zaria Metz, Justin Ruzzo, Cory Ruzzo, Christopher Ruzzo, Brett Dowd, Randi Ruzzo, Breanna Harder, and Arianna Doeg, as well as many cherished great-grandchildren.

In her youth, Miriam's grace and charm were recognized when she was crowned Miss Kent County. Her early career saw her contributing to the arts as a ticket taker at a local theater in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Driven by a profound desire to serve others, she pursued higher education, earning a master's degree in social work from Rhode Island College. This educational foundation led her to a distinguished career working with various non-profit organizations, including Community Action. As a children's court liaison advocate, Miriam dedicated her efforts to keeping families unified, striving to preserve the family unit whenever possible.

Miriam was a woman of unwavering faith and community spirit. She dedicated many years to teaching catechism at Saint Mary's Church in West Warwick and was an ardent supporter of her children's athletic endeavors, earning the affectionate title of "team mom." Her personal philosophy transcended political divides; she was known for her bipartisan approach, consistently championing honesty and advocating for those less fortunate. Her final professional role was as Director of Social Services at Kent Nursing Home, where she provided compassionate care and guidance to residents and their families, including notable public figures and their loved ones. During her tenure, she notably hosted a visit from First Lady Hillary Clinton in the nineties and cultivated friendships with esteemed individuals such as the Chaffee family and actor James Woods.

Her passions were varied and vibrant. Miriam volunteered at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), fueled by her enduring love for theater. A keen traveler, she eventually embraced one of her favorite vacation destinations by relocating to Florida. There, she continued her devotion to Catholicism, becoming a Eucharistic Minister for her church in Cape Coral. Miriam found immense joy in cooking, decorating, and, most importantly, being surrounded by her family and friends. Her legendary "Happy Hours" were renowned for their impeccable presentation and convivial atmosphere, a testament to her exceptional hosting skills.

In accordance with Miriam's wishes, no public services will be held. We invite all who knew and loved her to honor her memory privately in a manner that feels most meaningful to them. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation.