Kathleen Ruggeri

Kathleen Ruggeri (née Mongan), lovingly known as “Nanny,” entered her heavenly home on August 8, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on July 11, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, Kathy lived a life full of love, laughter, and faith that left a lasting mark on everyone blessed to know her.

Kathy was a devoted wife to her husband, John, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage — a lifetime of love, laughter, and good-natured bickering. She was a loving mother to her two girls, Mary and Lisa, and her relationship with them was one of deep closeness and unwavering support. She was a proud grandmother to Kathryn, Jonathan, Nicholas, and Alexandra, and a doting great-grandmother to Faith and Archer, who brought boundless joy to her later years.

Professionally, Kathy was a successful executive assistant in the hospitality industry, known for her sharp mind, organization, and grace under pressure. But above all, her greatest work was the love she poured into her family. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, filled with the smells of her famous corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day and the cherished Italian meals she lovingly prepared to carry on her husband’s family traditions.

Kathy’s faith in God was the foundation of her life. She believed deeply in the promise of heaven and found joy in knowing she would be reunited with her beloved grandson Jonathan and so many family members who went before her. We can only imagine the smile on her face as she dances in heaven, whole and at peace.

She is survived by her husband, John Ruggeri; daughters Mary Ruggeri-Jeffrey (husband Mike) and Lisa Passarelli (husband Jim); grandchildren Kathryn Mitchell (husband Elliott), Nicholas Passarelli, and Alexandra Passarelli; and great-grandchildren Faith and Archer Mitchell. She is preceded in death by her grandson Jonathan Kish, her parents, siblings, in-laws, and dear friends who now welcome her into glory.

Kathy loved deeply, lived joyfully, and had a gift for making any room brighter simply by walking in. Her legacy is one of devotion—to her faith, her family, and the traditions that bound them together. She will be deeply missed, but her love will continue to be felt in every hug, every shared meal, and every memory she leaves behind.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held on August 22, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL. Immediately followed by internment. A funeral mass for Kathy will be held on Thursday, August 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S. Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CECO (Conductive Education Center of Orlando, https://www.ceco.org ) in her honor.

Family and friends are invited to gather, remember, and honor the incredible woman she was.