SPRINGFIELD - Ruth I. Nuñez, 76, of Springfield, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 surrounded by her loving daughters and granddaughter. Born on July 31, 1949 in Manhattan, New York, Ruth was the heart of our family, raising two daughters with love and dedication. She was a Clinical Social Worker that worked for the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services for over 30 years.
She was known for her warm smile, nurturing spirit, unwavering support, and boundless love that will forever live on in the hearts of her family. Ruth was a brilliant and accomplished woman. Ruth’s passion for Human Services and dedication to the empowerment of individuals with developmental disabilities inspired those around her. Ruth’s colleagues and friends remember her as a tireless worker and mentor to many in the field.
In addition to Ruth’s professional accomplishments, Ruth was known for her warm caring personality and her sense of humor. Many sought Ruth’s consult, others simply enjoyed her company, in every circumstance she brought a sense of ease, perspective, and quiet wisdom. Ruth’s kindness and compassion touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Ruth found joy in life’s simple pleasures such as tending to her flowers, scrapbooking, and vacations at Cape Cod, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Ruth’s memory will be forever cherished by her family, friends, and colleagues. Ruth’s legacy will endure and her spirit will continue to inspire us all. In our hearts Ruth lives on, and we will forever honor the legacy of a remarkable woman who made a lasting impact on the world. Ruth was predeceased by her mother, Marcolina Reyes. She is survived by her life partner, Doris Santos, her daughters, Angela Nuñez-Vazquez and her wife, Norma Nuñez-Vazquez, and Dolores Nuñez Aucock and her husband, John Aucock, her son, Jermayne Santos and his partner, Luis Gonzalez; her ten grandchildren, Dana Delaunay and her husband, Jonathan, Jessica Deyo, Mariah McCaughey, Justin Christiansen, Nehemiah Nuñez-Vazquez, Jonathan Santos, Anthony Santos, Anaya Santos, Jaheim Santos, and Josiah Santos; her seven great grandchildren, Cameron Tobin, Adrianna Phillips, Caleb McCaughey, Carson Melendez, Eloise Delaunay, Angelo Delaunay, and Liam Delaunay; her siblings, Albert Reyes and his wife, Shelly, Carmen Watson and her partner, James Fuller, Joseph Monroy and his wife, Maria; her sister-in-law, Alma Estrada and her husband, Jose "Yuro" Estrada; her brother-in-law, David Silva and his wife, Donna; along with many nieces and nephews. Her family will receive friends on Monday, May 18, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. Her relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service on Tuesday morning, May 19, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, (funeral home will open at 9 a.m.), followed by her burial at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker Street, Springfield, MA 01129. Her family requests that memorial donations be made in her memory to Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation, Inc., 1730 M Street NW, Suite 650, Washington, DC 20036-4561 or visit: www.sjogrens.com. For more details and to leave her family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com