East Lyme — Ruth Nelson “Tillie” Pflomm passed away gently and peacefully Sept. 15, 2024, at the age of 92, in the comfort of her home and surrounded by her family. Born July 10, 1932, in New London, Ruth was the third of four children born to Carl and Anna Nelson of East Lyme.
As a first-generation American, Ruth was deeply proud of her Swedish heritage, continuing many of the traditional Swedish customs at family gatherings and holidays throughout her life. A graduate of Chapman Tech and Mitchell College, Ruth worked at several local businesses but found her true calling as the secretary for the mental health unit of York Correctional Facility in Niantic. She often referred to her job at “The Farm” as the best job she ever had, forging life-long friendships, and recounting her time there up until her final days.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her brother Carl Nilsson; and her former husband Robert E. Pflomm. Ruth is survived by her sisters, Anna Gordon of East Lyme, and Signe Stuart of Santa Fe, N.M.; her children, Martha Garvin (Steve) of Waterford, Robert O. Pflomm of East Lyme, and Kirsten Pflomm (Jay) of Hartford; and her two granddaughters, Alexa Garvin and Brooke Garvin of Waterford.
The family would like to thank her caregivers over the past couple of years, Grace, Lesley and Jessie, for providing compassionate care for our mother. And to Angela, who cared for our mother with such dedication and love, we cannot thank you enough. Your steady presence, constant optimism and creativity in caring for Ruth for the last three and a half years provided comfort for us all.
Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Avenue, Niantic. Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Christ Lutheran Church, 24 Society Road, Niantic, with burial to follow at East Lyme Cemetery.
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