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Mary Catherine (Cain) Ruffennach

June 19, 1940 - May 26, 2024

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Obituary For Mary Catherine (Cain) Ruffennach

Age 83, of Clearwater, FL, formerly Whitehall passed away peacefully on May 26, 2024. Mary was born in Pittsburgh to the late Albert and Margaret Cain on June 19, 1940 and was the oldest of the five Cain children. She is survived by the love of her life, Cyril James “Jim” Ruffennach, to whom she was married for almost 61 years. No matter what was going on in their lives, not a single night passed without a goodnight kiss.

She was a devoted mother to Cyril Gregory “Greg” (Becky) Ruffennach of Powderhorn, CO, Mary Kathryn “Katie” (Kevin) Burns of Fort Wayne, IN, Amy (Ben) Lansford of Missouri City, TX and Jamie (Kevin) Gang of Venetia, PA. As a mother, Mary was a true testament of unconditional love.

Mary’s most beloved role, which brought her the biggest joy in life, was that of Grandma. She was adored and loved by her fifteen grandchildren, Rachel, Stephen and Michael Ruffennach, Colin, Molly, Erynn and Clara Burns, Clayton, Andrew and Caroline Lansford and Avery, Evelyn, Olivia, Ivy and Everett Gang. When asked for just one word to describe her, they shared: virtuous, joyful, nurturing, loyal, extraordinary, kind, safe, caring, benevolent, selfless, determined, encouraging, dependable, giving, and generous.

Her life’s work has always been centered around children and giving back. She began her career as a Special Education teacher. Later, she earned multiple advanced degrees, became an adolescent psychologist, and started her own practice. After retiring in Florida, she continued to educate and nurture children by teaching countless toddlers how to swim in their condo’s pool. She would present the child with a medal once he/she tossed the Mary-loathed water wings!

She loved the water; any pool, Lake Erie and the Gulf. She believed that salt water cured all ails. For such a water-lover, it is fitting to say she cast a very wide net! Her compassion was so far-reaching; she was beloved by many, her impact is legendary, and she will be missed for the positive impact she has made. Whether her patients, her caregivers, a toddler at the pool, or a stranger in a restaurant, she made a difference, made things better, made you smile, and made you feel loved.

She was also our anchor! Mary welcomed everyone into her home by hosting family dinners, bridal and baby showers, parties, brunches, and even a wedding reception. She was who you turned to with joy or despair and the person you could count on for an encouraging word, a life lesson, or a “I will pray for you.”

Mary was preceded in death by her brother Albert “Bud” (Susan) Cain. She is survived by her sisters Patty (the late William) Reinersmann, Margaret (Charlie) Herold and Michelle (Steve) Bishoff and sister-in-law, Janet (Bill) Narr. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends.

As her family, we hope to honor her memory by living lives that demonstrate the qualities that she instilled in all of us. Her adventurous spirit, can-do attitude, love of life and commitment to her faith are beyond compare. Simply put, she has left a void that we cannot fill.

Family and friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Thursday, June 6, 2024 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Rosary will be said at 3:30 p.m. and remembrances by the family begin at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Prayer on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 9:15 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church at 10:00 a.m. The family asks that you wear happy colors to celebrate the joy that Mary brought to others. Memorial donations may be made to The Red Door which provides food, blankets and personal hygiene products to those in need. Mary of Mercy Church, 202 Stanwix Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Divinemercypgh.org.

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Condolences

  • September 30, 2025

    Lisa Misiewicz

    A life well lived and well loved. Mary and I shared much, laughed often and inspired each other. May her memory forever be a blessing. Lisa Misiewicz

  • June 08, 2024

    Sharon Wagner

    I had the pleasure of being one of Mary's caregivers. Although I only knew Mary, for 3 months, she touched my heart in a profound way. She was a kind, sincere, caring, and unselfish woman. She never let a day go by, without asking me how my dog Sully, was doing. It didn't matter if she was having a good day or bad one, she expressed concern that I was working too much and not with Sully. She was a truly unselfish person in every way. I'll miss our many talks where she told me her fears, but mostly she told me how proud she was of her family and how she loved them all so very much. Through her words, I got to know her family. She was a fighter and wanted to live to see upcoming graduations, weddings and milestones of each of her grandchildren. She told me about the " mail order house" that her father built and how she treasured the memories of growing up with her siblings. She told me about her nieces and nephews and how proud she was of them all. Most of all, she told me how proud she was of her four children and how much she loved them. I saw the love that Jim and Mary had for each other. How Jim, sat next to her and held her hand for hours and comforted her. It truly touched my heart. She is loved and will be missed by so many people. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Rest in peace, Mary. ❤️ With lots of Love, Sharon

  • June 07, 2024

    Joe and Judy Miller

    We have many memories of being in the pool with Mary for afternoons of chit chat plus exercising at the same time. Mary was a good friend for 25 years and will be missed by all. Our condolences to all of Mary's family at this time. RIP Judy & Joe Miller

  • June 05, 2024

    Gina Nickle

    So sorry for your loss I know that life will never be the same Mary taught all 12 of my grandkids how to swim my grandkids all loved her she taught me how to exercise in the pool and it was so hard but she pushed me until I got I loved sitting and having a glass of wine with her I will miss her my thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time Gina

  • June 04, 2024

    Nathaniel Rigby

    Mary hired me at the practice she founded and offered wonderful guidance, rich wisdom and kind support to me as an early career psychologist. Her dedication to her career, her compassion and her ability to spark joyful motivation out of any child or adult who came to her for treatment was a delight to experience. She gave so much so often. My condolences to her family. -- Nate Rigby

  • June 03, 2024

    Marie Schmitt

    Mary was truly a gem. She was so kind, giving, and inspiring. She was a wonderful friend and example of a woman of faith. I admired Mary's determination and her can-do attitude. She was a beautiful person inside and outside. Rest in peace my dear friend. Marie Schmitt

  • June 02, 2024

    Lynn & Jeff Sholl

    I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Mary at Southwood and Wesley Highland School where she was the school psychologist consultant. She was one of the nicest people I've ever met. I'm proud to have known such loving and wonderful person. My husband Jeff and I also had the chance to have her husband Jim do some legal work for us at times. What a beautiful, giving couple. While we no longer live in Pgh, we will be saying prayers for her family and also celebrating the "other-centered" life Mary lived. What a gift she was! Blessings to all, Lynn & Jeff Sholl

  • May 31, 2024

    Dana Barry

    Our sympathies to Jim and their loving family. We met Mary and Jim through Mass at St Elizabeth. Us, along with Mary and Jim and Jean and Bob Beyer, would meet for breakfast at Eat'n Park after Mass. After Mary and Jim moved to Clearwater, their happy place, they invited the four of us to come and stay in their beautiful condo. We have such fond memories of our dinners and our laughter the entire time spent with them. Blessings to their entire family as the love was obvious with all the beautiful family photos Mary loved to share with us. Dana and Ken Barry and Bob, the late Jean, Beyer.

  • May 31, 2024

    Marlene Stark

    Deepest sympathy to all the family Mary was my friend for many year in Florida I will truly miss visiting her she was a special person marlene stark

  • May 31, 2024

    Gary Vallano

    Our deepest sympathies to the family. Mary will always be remembered as a kind, generous and caring person. She brought happiness and made life better to those who knew her. Gary and Donna Vallano

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