Ruth Appel

Ruth was born on October 2, 1931 to Sam and Anna Stein. The eldest of three she grew up among a close-knit extended family, in Brooklyn, surrounded by love and laughter. Twelve summers, between 1938 and 1950, were spent in rural pursuits at the family's summer house in Kerhonkson, NY, ...collecting eggs from the chickens, Ruth taking charge as chief among a rough and tumble tribe of cousins. The house was always full of family. Ruth treasured those relationships and those happy memories through her final days.

She studied biology at NYU where she met Jack Appel, her soulmate and

intellectual equal. They married in January of 1954, spending their first year together in Germany where he was stationed by the US Army. When possible they took advantage of travel that was offered to GIs, a joint passion for discovery that they would share throughout their lives.

Jack's first civilian job took the couple to Chicago where Ruth pursued her interest in science as they welcomed the birth of Edith, their first daughter.

Ruth was severely injured, at the age of 26, in an automobile accident while three moths pregnant with her second daughter, Sarah.

Her doctors predicted that she would never walk again but through sheer force of will and courage proved them wrong. Ruth resolved to never allow her physical limitations to define her.

Ruth and Jack bought a home in Midwood, Brooklyn and gave their four daughters a childhood enriched by ballet lessons, frequent visits to museums, Gilbert and Sullivan operas, and summers in New Hampshire.

A shared mid-life decision to own a boat led thec couple into the world of The Power Squadron. She studied water safety and mastered celestial navigation, subsequently teaching others those subjects. Ruth rose through the ranks alongside Jack to become the first female commander of the Brooklyn chapter.

Many fluke later, and with four daughters headed into college, Ruth went back into the work force as a science teacher and earned a master's degree in education. Ruth, a natural-born teacher, had found her calling.

She was assigned to Winthrop Junior High School, and for twenty years taught science to teens, many of whom came from troubled backgrounds. A testimony to her dedication to those students were the letters of appreciation she received over the years as one or another did well for himself and his family.

Ruth and Jack retired to Greenbriar in Marlboro, NJ where they devoted their energy to :

The County Board of Elections

The Marlboro Twp. Historic Commission

The Open Space Committee

Friends of the Public Library

The Monmouth Museum

Ruth found friends from among her neighbors, the Marlboro Jewish Center and the Embroiderers Guild.

In retirement Ruth and Jack continued their lifelong love of learning and travel. They attended elder hostels and cruised the world. Regular visits to daughters, Johanna and Martha, and their families took them to California and Europe. The years were good.

Besides being a devoted daughter, a loving wife, mother and grandmother; Ruth embodied positive qualities for which men are applauded, she had a strong will, was direct and spoke her mind. She had little tolerance for idle chatter and encouraged her daughters to be independent. She "did it her way" to the very end, a success by any metric.

Ruth passed away on the evening of Feb. 6, 2023 at the age of 91.

She is survived by her brother (Jack), her four daughters (Edith, Sarah, Johanna, Martha), sons-in -law (Steve and Guido), eight grandchildren (Lauren, Jordanna, Daniel, Jessica, Lani, Ari, Molly, Lucas), and six great-grandchildren

(Samantha, Maxon, Liam, Bennett, Sasha, Madison)

Our family will be forever grateful for the care she was given by the loving staff of the Jewish Home for Rehabilitation and Nursing, Freehold.

Donations are invited in her memory to The Marlboro Jewish Center or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bloomfieldcoopermanalapan.com for the Appel family.