Obituary of Jayne Ruddy

VERO BEACH, FL. FORMERLY OF BINGHAMTON, NY - UPDATE: DUE TO A EULOGY BAN AT ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH IN VESTAL, THE FAMILY HAS MOVED THE FUNERAL MASS TO THE CHURCH OF SAINTS JOHN AND ANDREW, VESTAL AVENUE, BINGHAMTON. On Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, Jayne Ruddy, 88, passed peacefully surrounded by her husband, Patrick, and all of their children. She is pre-deceased by her parents, Edward and Clara (Shelton) Brosnan, her brother, Edward Brosnan, her sisters, Betty Munson and Dory McGuire, and her beloved grandson, Connor McHugh. She is survived by Patrick Ruddy, the love of her life, her soulmate, and husband of 61 years, and her children, Patrick Ruddy, Michael Ruddy, Kathleen Ruddy McHugh, Joan Ruddy Dickson, Lizbeth (Betsy) Ruddy Voegtlin, and Julianne Ruddy Malling. She is survived by her sons-in-law, Patrick McHugh, Steve Dickson, Gene Voegtlin, and Michael Malling, and her daughters-in-law, Stephanie Murray, and Tina Ruddy. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Ryan McHugh, Erin McHugh, Katelyn McHugh, Jack Dickson, Sean Dickson, Kathryn Voegtlin, Allison Voegtlin, Emily Voegtlin, Eric Voegtlin, Jaynie Malling, Finnegan Malling, and Abigail Malling. Jayne is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her dear sisters-in-law, Mary Brosnan, and Mary Lou Karch, and loving brother-in-law, Joseph Ruddy. Jayne Ruddy was born on January 16, 1929, in Binghamton, and lived most of her life there before retiring to Vero Beach, FL. She graduated from Marywood College with her teaching degree, and taught 2nd grade for several years, before getting married, and settling down to raise her children. While that is a brief synopsis of her life, and it may sound ordinary, the truth remains that Jayne was far from ordinary. Jayne's soul was so pure, so kind, and shined so brightly, that throughout her life it became commonplace for her family to hear others comment upon how kind, giving, and sweet she was. Jayne lived her life selflessly, and never asked for anything in return. Where there was a need, she quietly and unassumingly filled it, without judgement, question, or recognition. Jayne was Patrick's soulmate. They met in 2nd grade, and grew up one block away from each other. Pat was her paperboy when they were kids. They went to elementary school together, were best friends, and later, high school sweethearts. When Patrick went to college at the University of Scranton, Jayne went nearby at Marywood College, so they could continue to be together. When Patrick went to medical school in Ireland, Jayne wrote to him every day without fail, for years. Upon his return, they married and lived happily together thereafter. Their love for each other, which spanned over 80 years, rivaled that normally found in storybooks. Alas, even death is no match for their bond, and so their love lives on...strong, uncompromised, and forever. Jayne and Pat raised 6 children together. Yet despite the chaos of a large family and competing needs or unexpected situations, there was always a quiet calm around Jayne. She was the eye of the storm under every circumstance…the steady hand, the calming word, the reassuring hug for the entire family. In Jayne's world, no one was a stranger, and no one was unwelcome. Jayne always went out of her way to make everyone feel warm, welcome, and worthy. Her faith was her rock, and she lived her life devoted not only to her husband and family, but to God and His teachings. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you reach out to someone in need or volunteer. Donations may be made in her name to the Autism Society, Alzheimer's Association, or Catholic Charities of Broome County. A Funeral Mass will be offered at the Church of Saints John and Andrew, Vestal Avenue, Binghamton, Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Friday, February 9, 2018 from 4 to 7 p.m. We will miss her laugh, her beautiful smile, and her sparkling crystal clear blue eyes; but we take comfort in knowing she is finally at peace. Her soul and her love remain ever present among all who were lucky enough to know her. And while we are saddened to say goodbye, we are certain the heavens are rejoicing. For they have gained an angel – the likes of whom they have never seen before.