Catherine Ruffolo, 76, of Kenosha, passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 28, 1934, in Great Yarmouth, England, she was the daughter of the late Burt and Clarissa Collins. She came from a family of thirteen girls and one boy and was educated in the schools of England. On November 29, 1952, she married Frank R. Ruffolo in Corby England. The two met while he was serving in the United States Army; they came to Kenosha in 1962. He preceded her in death on August 20, 1998, after 46 years of marriage. Catherine enjoyed getting together and spending time with her family. Catherine was a homemaker in her early married years and enjoyed crocheting, making many beautiful afghans. She made wonderful pies, as well as enjoying her fish fries and eating fish. Together with her husband, Frank, in 1984 they founded Ruffolo’s International Foods, where she worked until retiring in 1998. She enjoyed the interaction and camaraderie with customers. She always had her sense of humor and wittiness about her, which left a lasting impression. Surviving are her three children, Frank L. (Jeanne) Ruffolo of Bristol, and Daniel R. (Mimi) Ruffolo and Alisa C. (Steven) Taleronik, both of Kenosha; her eight grandchildren, Frank (Corinne) Ruffolo, Dina (Brad) Ruffolo Funk, Michael (Leslie) Ruffolo, Jeremy (Annette) Taleronik, Samantha (Chris Dorr) Ruffolo, Jason Taleronik, Dalton Ruffolo, and Danny Ruffolo; four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Franki Marie, Layla and Rylyn Marie; and her lovable Chihuahua; "Chubby". She was preceded in death by a son, John B. Ruffolo on May 31, 2005. The family would like to extend a special thank you to family, friends and caregivers, especially Krystal Stenholt, Annette, Samantha, Dina, Mimi, Joyce Sorensen, Susan Zweedyk and Janie Torres. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 16th, at Proko Funeral Home at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at St. James Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday at Proko Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Catherine’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Bobbi Duczak
August 15, 2010
Words cannot express the sorrow and sympathy felt for you all now in the loss of your loved one. I really didn't know "Grandma Cathy" but the stories that Joyce has shared with me about her definitely make me realize how much you will miss her. Hoping the memories you cherish will help to ease the burden of you loss. Bobbi Duczak
Debbie Boyce
August 14, 2010
Alisa, Danny and Frankie - I am so sorry to hear you have lost your mother and my prayers are with all of you. I remember the times as children that we were able to visit and play in the lake and you visited us and we rode bikes for hours. I remember the yard at the old house and the flower garden. Wonderful times and your mother was a wonderful lady and I remember her fondly Debbie St. John Boyce
Joyce & Ozzie Sorensen
August 14, 2010
Dear Family,You have comfort knowing how much Mom was loved by all. Our fun and funny memories will always make us smile, especially her trips UP-North or campfire stories. You all know how much she loved the SHOCK value of meeting newcomers. She loved the family time parties with all of us preparing and eating the special treats. We will miss her baking pies for the holidays too, knowing how hard it was for her to do that task. We will always remember her in watching someone else eat a chocolate BROWNIE! There are many stories each one of us have with her or about her. We're thinking of you all at this time and wishing you comfort and peace. All our love!
Jay and Louisa Krafft
August 13, 2010
Dear Lisa and family, We are so sorry for your loss. May your mother's dearly departed soul rest in eternal peace. She is now lying in the loving arms of Jesus and has no pain, only the glory of being in Heaven. God bless you all with loving peace as you grieve - this is a new chapter in your lives - and a big adjustment: Love and memories will carry you through. I understand. In friendship and love, Louisa and Jay
Chris, Paul & Michelle Andersen
August 12, 2010
We are saddened to hear of Catherine's passing. She will remain in our memories as a fun, loving, spit-fire of a woman who never gave up. You are all like family to us and we feel the same from you. Anything you need you know you can always ask and we will oblige. Below is one of my (Chris) favorite poems, which I hope will give you some peace during this most difficult of times.All our love,Chris, Paul & Michelle AndersenTRANQUILITYby Wyatt CooperLife itself is brief, and yet each life encloses all eternity. We are, all of us, separately and together, engaged on the same tough journey.Each of us alike tastes of its joys and its sorrows. Each of us gets by as best he can.And we must, whenever possible, reach out to each other, tentatively to touch, with our hands, with our eyes, and with our hearts. We must wish for each other love and laughter, smiles and sunshine, good thoughts and happy days.We must go rejoicing in the blessings of this world, chief of which is the mystery, the magic, the majesty and the miracle that is life.