Catherine G. Owsley (nee’ Ruggeri) departed this world on December 16th, one month short of her 80th birthday. Known as Kay, she was born in Carthage, N.Y. and raised in Hammonton, the first of five children born to Joseph and Cora Ruggeri. Kay was everyone’s big sister. Her brief career in education as a teacher in St. Joseph’s School in Hammonton, ended when she met the love of her life, Wayne Owsley. They met on a blind date. A member of the US Army temporarily stationed in New Jersey; he was scheduled to return to his home state of Indiana when he proposed to Kay. Their “love at first sight” lasted more than sixty years. While in Indiana they had three children, Page Ann, Pamela Jo, and Wayne Jr. The Owsley family moved to New Jersey where Wayne’s talents as a mechanic were put to good use as a member of Local 825 of the Operating Engineers. Kay and Wayne settled in Vineland prior to moving to Buena Borough.
Kay was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Wynnona Pantalone (Lou), brother-in-law, Ken Owsley (Caroline), sister-in-law, Christine Ruggeri and by her eldest child, Page Ann (Jim), who fought a long and extraordinarily valiant battle with breast cancer. Kay was with Page every step of the way and her daughter’s passing created a hole in Kay and Wayne’s hearts. Kay is survived by her loving husband Wayne; her daughter, Pamela, who was always on hand to help her parents, and her son, Wayne Jr. (April) who came to his parents’ aid in innumerable ways. Kay is also survived by her sister, Johanna R. Johnson (Nelson), and her brothers, Joseph A. Ruggeri (Kathy) and Timothy J. Ruggeri (Susan). In laws, Owen Owsley (Helen), Juniata Sears (Bob), Joan Stater (Larry), Joyce Sheely (Ron), Ruth Collins (Glen), Ron Owsley (Mary), and Pauletta Wray (Clint) all of Kokomo, Indiana. Kay simply adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and nurtured each of them with love, patience, and discipline. Her grandchildren are Kayla Lewis (Anthony), Zachary Zulker, Heidi Feuchtwanger (Steve), Nicholas Brunozzi and Cara Owsley (John). Her great-grandchildren are Izabella, Bryce, Kayleigh, Grayson and Maci. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends whom she loved dearly.
Family and friends were received on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by a funeral liturgy at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, St. Michael’s Church, 504 SW Boulevard, Minotola, N.J. Burial followed in All Saints Cemetery, Newfield. Memories, thoughts and prayers may be extended to the family by visiting dlfuneral.com.
Arrangements made by DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home