Ruth Sigmund Gazzola

Ruth Sigmund Gazzola
Ruth was born on May 24, 1940. She spent wonderful years growing up in Keokuk, Iowa. After 2 years at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa, she came to New York to pursue a career in fashion. Becoming a buyer and stylist, she spent time both in South Africa and the Far East.
Ruth married John P. Gazzola in 1966; they both enjoyed their passion for primitive antiques. When their 3 children were born, Jennifer, Alison, and John Paul, Ruth stayed home to "enjoy the best 12 years of her life." Once her children were ensconced in school, Ruth decided to finish her college education at St. Thomas Aquinas College, majoring in secondary English where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She earned her first master's from Iona College. In 1983 Ruth was hired as a high school English teacher at Clarkstown South High School. She always said that "she loved every day she went to work. The students were so bright; they taught her more than she ever taught them." Although she enjoyed many accolades and awards, the one she was most proud of was starting the Rockland County speech and debate tournaments that continue to have success today.
Although Ruth spent 25 + years as head of the lectors at St. Gregory's parish, she ultimately became an active member of the Marian Shrine.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband John Gazzola, her mother and father Janie and John Sigmund, and 2 sisters, Kate Sigmund Ryan of Omaha and Martha Sigmund Barclift of Keokuk. She was blessed by her 3 children, Jennifer (Jay Flaherty), Alison (Dan Holmes), John Paul (Gina Leo), and 7 treasured and adored grandchildren Kyle, Sean, and Brendan Flaherty, Emily and Kate Holmes, Justine and John Nicholas Gazzola.
After retiring, Ruth cherished her golden years by picking up her grandchildren from school, treating them to pizza or other favorites, and joyfully cheering them on at field hockey, volleyball, basketball, baseball, hockey games, soccer and figure skating. She loved being a doting grandmother. Ruth and John enjoyed many years of escaping the cold by traveling to Florida or their beach house in Bethany Beach, DE to spend time with friends and family. They had a wonderful life. How meaningful that Ruth passed away on the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of writers and journalists. It feels so fitting, as if her legacy aligns with his spirit. "When you remember me, please think of me with a smile, not with tears. I am with you always – my arms surround you with ever-abiding love. Know you are my favorite."
In lieu of flowers and in loving memory of our beloved mom, we kindly ask that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, honoring her generous and compassionate spirit. Donate by phone at 800-805-5856 or by https://www.stjude.org/content/dam/en_US/alsac/donate/pdfs/Printable%20Donation%20Form%20English.pdf. Please make it in memory of Ruth Sigmund Gazzola.