Ruth was born on May 26, 1932, in Bridgeport, CT, the only child of the late Martha E. Berendt and Paul E. Graze. She grew up in Danbury, where she attended high school. During that time, she met Daniel J. Cipolla at a square dance. They married soon after and began their life together in a home they built on Daniel’s family farmland on Kellogg Street in Brookfield. Daniel was one of sixteen children, and Ruth became part of his large, close-knit family, remaining the last surviving spouse among them.
In 1962, Ruth and Daniel purchased a farm in Bridgewater, where they raised dairy cows and lived largely off the land. Ruth was an avid gardener who took great pride in preserving homegrown fruits and vegetables. She was deeply involved in her community, volunteering at the local Grange and at voting polls. Later in life, she enjoyed traveling and spending time at the Hilltop Center.
Remarkably, Ruth began her professional career in her seventies. What started as a volunteer role grew into a fulfilling position as manager and buyer of the New Milford Hospital Gift Shop, which she helped transform into a boutique shopping destination.
Ruth is survived by her son, Ronald A. Cipolla, and her daughter, Larina L. Cipolla, both of Bridgewater, as well as her grandson, Nicholas Cipolla, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Daniel J. Cipolla; her daughter, Diane B. Cipolla; her son, Daniel P. Cipolla; and her grandson, Anthony M. Goldie.
Ruth leaves behind a legacy of hard work, self-reliance, and devotion to family and community, values she lived every day.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff of Regional Hospice and to the devoted live-in caregivers from Connecticut Community Focus, whose kindness and care brought comfort in Ruth’s final days.
A service will be held in the spring, followed by burial at South Cemetery in Bridgewater.
