Caterina (De Luca) Ruggiero

Age 89, of Magee Street Elmira, NY was born June 5, 1935 in Taurianova, Italy the daughter of the late Giovanni and Angela (Maio) De Luca and passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at her home with her loving children at her side. Her husband of 39 years, Rosario I. Ruggiero; brother, Francesco De Luca; sister, Carmela Montnero; niece, Concetta Montnero preceded her in death. Survivors left to cherish her memory are her loving children: Rosa (Raymond) Giammichele of Horseheads, NY; Salvatore (Jackie) Ruggiero of Horseheads, NY; Giovanni (Pamela) Ruggiero of North Carolina; Angela (Michael) Higley of Watkins Glen, NY; Gaetano (Beth) Ruggiero of Baldwin, NY; grandchildren: John and Matthew; Brittany and Brandon; Joshua and Morgan; Katrina and Kutter; Brandon, Matthew, Stefanie, Antonello and Francesco; great grandchildren: Audriana, Mila, Mia and Alexandria; Ronan, Milo, Ezra and Andre; sister-in-law, Elvira; along with other brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, many other relatives, several nieces and nephews in the USA and Italy. The Ruggiero family wishes to thank special niece, Bernadette Long for the outstanding love and care she gave to Caterina as well as all those who assisted with her care including Leona Applenap, Bariety Shaff, and Annette Ajamian. Caterina was a very hard-working lady and worked in the farming industry while in Italy. When the family settled in America, she opened up her own seamstress business that was a trademark in Elmira, Caterina Alterations. She worked extremely hard for her family and provided for each and every one of them. She was an outstanding mother and loved her children unconditionally. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Monday, March 17, 2025 from 4 - 7 pm. Funeral Services celebrating Caterina's life will take place on Tuesday, March 18th at Central Assembly of God, One Brenway Drive Horseheads, NY at 11:00 am. Pastor Joe Chamberlain will officiate. Interment and committal prayers will follow in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery, Elmira.