Kathleen Theresa Noone Ruefle – Allison Park

Kathleen Theresa Noone Ruefle, 93, died peacefully on Nov. 3, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Joseph Ruefle; parents, Martin and Agnes Noone; siblings, Mary Francis (Murphy), Martin, Jimmy, and Tommy; and her best friend, Betty Boston. She is survived by her 10 devoted children: Mary Jo Brecht (Tim), Susan Motycki (John), Kate Mahoney (Dan), Peggy (Ted Orlowski), Annie (Rick), Mike, Patrick, Ellen (JT), Colleen (Jim), Kelly Wojcik (Ted); 29 grandchildren (all of whom think they were her favorite); 18 great-grandchildren; and many Noone and Ruefle nieces and nephews; plus, Kevin. Kate was always the life – and often the host — of the party. Her St. Patrick’s Day parties were legendary. She had a beautiful singing voice, knew the words to every Irish song, and could bring everyone to tears when she sang, “Oh Danny Boy.” She loved to read books, play cards, write poems, shop for groceries, and seek out bargains at the “boutiques.” She was known for her razor-sharp wit, recycled cards, Depression-era practicality, and her unparalleled generosity. Kate traveled to Ireland twice to visit the country where her parents were born. A lifelong Democrat, she volunteered for the Board of Elections for many years. Kate was always on the go, from card club to parish festivals, baptisms, graduations, and weddings, the bleachers of a grandchild’s game, and an occasional seat at the end of the bar. Proud graduate of St. Lawrence O’Toole High School (1946) and Duquesne University (1950), she championed education, and took pride in the fact that her children and grandchildren graduated from more than 45 different colleges and universities. A faithful member of St. Sebastian/St. Bonaventure Parishes for more than 60 years, she attended daily Mass at various parishes around the North Hills, always knowledgeable about which priests gave the best – and briefest – sermons. Kate’s family wishes to thank the staff of Juniper Village in Forest Hills for their extraordinary care and patience for the last three years, with special shout out to the environmental services director. The Ruefle family will receive friends from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at BOCK FUNERAL HOME, LTD., 1500 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Matthew Parish, St Bonaventure Church, Glenshaw, at 10 a.m. Monday, EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. The family requests masks at the funeral home and funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Kathleen Ruefle Memorial Fund at LaRoche University, 9000 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237, https://laroche.givingfuel.com/give.