Ann Geraldine Deet Lignoski Ruggerio

Ann Geraldine Deet Lignoski Ruggerio, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Ann entered this world at the beginning of the Depression and was the 11th of 12 children to the late Frank and Josephine (Prindle) Deet. At the tender age of six, her mother passed away. Her eldest sister, Gwendolen Hill Enright assumed responsibility caring for Ann through out her future years. In 1949 she wed Henry J. Lignoski. Her life was happy and so complete as she brought eight children into this world: Kenneth (Gloria), Janice (George) Gleeson, Elaine Glassner, Paul (Jennifer), Laura (Tim) Mullen, John (Jill), and the late James and Robert. She adored all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved baking especially making and decorating wedding and birthday cakes. She was active at St. Kierans Church as a Christian Mother and Eucharistic Minister. Anns one desire was to be a nurse, so after John entered elementary school, she pursued her dreams and earned her license to practice as an LPN. She loved working at St. Francis Hospital, the place where her sister Gwendolen worked as an RN for years and where all her children were born. Sadly, Henry passed away after a long battle with Lymphoma in 1999 ending a 49-year marriage. Ann did not give up in life. She pursued her and dad’s dream of moving into a ranch in Shaler where she lived for the next 24 years and attended St. Bonaventure Church. She met and married Joe Ruggerio in 2007. In the next seven years she found joy, laughter, and love. She loved Joe’s three children and grandchildren. She held a special place in her heart for Joe’s grandson, David. He made an effort to visit mom weekly for dinner up until the time Covid interrupted the world. Ann was the last surviving sibling of the Deet family. She lived a long life, 94 years, living independently, calling her own shots, until she suffered a debilitating stroke in late March. We are so grateful for the loving care she received at Mercy Hospital and the Ross Kane Nursing Home. God Speed Mom, may you rest in peace. Friends will be received on Thursday from 2 to 8 PM at the Bock Funeral Home, Ltd., 1500 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10 AM in St. Matthew Parish, St. Bonaventure Church, Glenshaw. A burial to follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.