Joseph & Stella Ruggieri

Stella Loretta Ruggieri passed away October 28, 2012 in Apache Junction, Arizona. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Stephen and Loretta (nee Grohocki) Lazarek, Stella arrived on November 8, 1915. When she met Joseph Ruggieri, she knew she had met the love of her life, and soon after they were married. They spent 75 wonderful years enjoying each other’s company. Stella was a kind and gentle soul. Her love for her family was unsurpassed. She treasured time with her grandchildren. In fact, taking care of children was her life’s pleasure. She would baby sit for neighborhood children, and the parents always appreciated her ability to genuinely care for their children. She enjoyed cooking and was a nutritionist before nutrition was emphasized. Joe will miss his beloved “Tomato”! Stella is survived by her adoring husband, Joseph, daughter Leonora Green, grandchildren Denise Rocha, David Rocha, Joseph Ruggieri III, and Adrienne Mogavero, and great grandchildren Jamie Rocha, Ally Rocha, Jessie Rocha, Cassie Rocha, Jeremy Rocha, Benjamin Contreras Rocha, Sydney Mogavero, Isabella Ruggieri, and Caleb Ruggieri. She is preceded in death by her parents, son Joseph Ruggieri Jr., and a great grandson Nicholas Mogavero. A visitation will take place on Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. with a service to follow immediately at 10:00 a.m. at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care 6747 East Broadway Road Mesa, Arizona 85206 (480)830-4422. Please share memories of Stella by visiting the family’s website at www.MariposaGardens.com.