Helena A.“BABS” (Ruggiero ) Blum, a lifelong resident of Stoughton passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the New England Sinai Hospital in Stoughton on January 12, 2012. Age 88 years. Daughter of the late Paul F. Ruggiero and Mary (Deluca) Ruggiero. Devoted mother to,Warren F. Blum Jr., and his wife Laureen of Chelsea, VT. daughters Debra Tankerley and husband Jeffrey of Foxboro and Patricia Craig of Stewartstown, NH. Loving grandmother to Steven B. Craig of New Hampshire and step – grandmother to Jason Tankerley and his wife Julia and Eric Tankerley both of Stoughton. She was the former wife of the late Warren F. Blum Sr.
Her loss is profoundly felt by her loving brother Charles J. Ruggiero, sisters Frances Ruggiero and Virginia Schretlen, all of Falmouth. Helena was also preceded in death by her brothers Querino, Guido and James and sisters Katherine B. Leahy, Marie M. Ruggiero, Pauline E. Ruggiero and Natalie I. Ruggiero. Also sharing in this loss are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Helena was beloved for her strong, loving and sensitive nature.
Helena’s community involvement was extensive, she served as secretary to both the Town of Stoughton Conservation Commission and the C. W. Welch Fish & Game Wildlife Preserve. She also spent 30 years as a poll worker for the Town of Stoughton. She was a member of numerous community groups, including The Stoughton Minerva Lodge, The Stoughton Woman’s Club, The Red Hat Society and The Mystic Valley Roadway. She was a 4 – H leader and a Judge at local and state levels.
Helena enjoyed traveling with friends and taking bus rides to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. she especially loved to play bingo and socialize with her many devoted friends. She will be remembered as a caring and strong willed woman with a wonderful sense of fun, loved people and embraced their interests. Helena continued to make new friends and worry about their needs until the end of her life.
A celebration of her life for family friends will be held on Thursday January 19, 2012 at 6pm in the Sheehan Funeral Home, 115 Monk Street, Stoughton. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 2 - 6 P.M. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. Her interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Helena’s memory to The New England Sinai Hospital, 150 York Street, Stoughton, MA 02072, ATTN: Development Department.