Mary J. Ruzicka, 94
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mary Josephine Ruzicka, 94, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, at North Adams Commons, where she had resided since June 12, 2012.
Born in the Morsemere section of Ridgefield, N.J., on Oct. 13, 1919, daughter of George and Mary Josephine Murtha White, she later lived in Englewood, N.J. After moving to Forest Hills, N.Y., she graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1941 from Hunter College in New York City. She moved to Springfield upon her marriage, then to West Springfield in 1951 and to North Adams in 1962.
Mrs. Ruzicka was employed at the former North Adams Transcript from 1970 until retiring 1981. She had first worked for five years, beginning in 1942, in the statistical department of the Writing Paper Manufacturers Association in New York City, then four years at the Eastern States Farmers' Exchange in West Springfield. She also had worked at the former Adams Nursing Home from 1967 to 1969 and then the former Jarisch Paper Box Inc. as bookkeeper in the business office until February 1970.
She enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the Cheshire Stompers Club for 18 years and was an 11-year member of the West Springfield Square Dance Club. She enjoyed reading immensely, especially mystery novels, and was a member of the Friends of the North Adams Public Library.
Her husband, Ludwig Ruzicka, whom she married on Jan. 5, 1947, died on Jan. 16, 1987.
She leaves a daughter, Jane E. Ruzicka and her husband, Richard P. Stickney Jr., and a son, Paul R. Ruzicka, all of North Adams.
Her sister, Leonie White, died on May 15, 1987.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Mrs. Ruzicka's children would like to thank the staff both at Home Instead Senior Care in Pittsfield and North Adams Commons for their caring and dedication.
Per her wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. A private funeral will be held at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Southview Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North Adams Public Library or the Berkshire County Humane Society through the funeral home, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.