Margaret Sedilko Ruman
Margaret Sedilko Ruman, 80, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Litchfield on June 9, 2014, attended by loving family. Margaret was born on October 1, 1933, in Dilltown, PA, daughter of the late John and Helen (Simchock) Sedilko. She was raised in the coal mining towns of PA and W.Va. where her father and brothers worked in the mines.
She is survived by her son John and his wife Gale of Canton, MI, and her daughter Rachel Margaret Baird as well as three grandchildren, Cliff Baird, Shawn Ruman, and Kyle Ruman and 16 nieces and nephews. Margaret was predeceased by all of her 9 brothers and sisters, Nick, Helen, Lizzie, Chip, Aggie, John, Eva, Andy, and Polly, and a niece Patricia Bock.
Margaret graduated from Johnstown (PA) High School in 1952 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After serving 4 years in the USAF at Mather AFB, CA, and Andrews AFB, MD, she settled into civilian life, worked, and earned her B.S. in Business Administration at the University of Baltimore at the age of 41 while raising her two children. She was a secretary at a grade school for deaf children, owned and managed a small, neighborhood post office, and worked for a Baltimore County school board before obtaining a position as a civilian employee for the U.S. Army at Fort Meade, MD. During this period Margaret enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. She retired from the military as a Master Sergeant (E8) after 20 years of service in 1993 and from her civilian government position in 1996. One of her proudest achievements as a mother was her son’s graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She loved the Thayer Hotel at West Point and enjoyed watching her son in all the ceremonies that took place during his years at West Point, especially the annual Army-Navy Football Game.
In 1996 Margaret moved to CT where she and her daughter lived together in Litchfield until her passing on June 9, 2014. Along the way in MD and CT she cared for, spoke to, and pampered 6 dogs, Brandi (1984-1995), Tasha (1995-2007), Sparky (1995-2013), Chloe (1999-2010), Charlie, and Daisy. Charlie and Daisy miss Margaret deeply. Even though retired in CT Margaret worked at a variety of jobs including a box factory, travel agency, and temple in West Hartford and Wisdom House in Litchfield. She also volunteered at The Litchfield Historical Society. She enjoyed lunches at the Sullivan Senior Center and went on trips through the center.
Margaret was an avid reader and movie fan. Her favorite actors were John Wayne and Paul Newman and her favorite author was Ken Follet. She adored Neil Diamond. The last book she read was “Until Tuesday” by Former Captain Luis Carlos Montalvan about the relationship between a therapy dog and an Iraqi war veteran. Her strong Catholic faith during the past months provided strength for her family and an unforgettable lesson in life about duty, dignity, and grace.
Margaret’s life will be celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2014, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 49 South Street, Litchfield. Burial will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery, Litchfield. Calling hours are from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, 2014, at Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Road (Rte. 202), Litchfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smilow Cancer Center Hospital at Yale New Haven of Torrington, 200 Kennedy Drive, Torrington, CT 06790 or a cancer research organization of choice.
Kindly visit www.rowefuneralhome.net to send the family an online condolence.
