Elizabeth Ann Ruiz-Gomez

Elizabeth Ruiz-Gomez (nee Burns) was born in Staten Island, New York to William and Carol Burns. She attended St. Adalbert’s School and Notre Dame Academy High School. She graduated from Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York, where she majored in accounting and minored in history. Following her graduation, she worked in accounting and human resources for Deloitte until the birth of her first son, Julio, when she decided to exit the workforce to focus on raising her child. Three years later, she welcomed a second son into the world, Oliver. Upon the completion of two master’s degrees in education concentrating on childhood and special education at Wagner College, she reentered the workforce as a special education teacher in the New York City Department of Education. Over the next fourteen years, she had a positive impact on the lives of countless young children with special needs.

Throughout her life, she was active in various charitable and religious organizations. She worked as a lifeguard and yoga instructor at the YMCA; volunteered at the Wagner College Early Childhood Center; held various leadership positions within Troop 26 of the Boy Scouts of America; helped organize the Bread of Life Food Drive through the Notre Dame Club of Staten Island; and was on the parish council of Blessed Sacrament Church.

Elizabeth enjoyed watching television, especially Friends, The Office and The Golden Girls, and playing board games with her family, specifically backgammon. She also ran the New York City marathon twice. She was known for her positive and welcoming attitude. Elizabeth loved to make people laugh and elevate the spirits of those around her, especially through food. She was an incredible chef leading to her household kitchen being nicknamed Chez Elizabeth. She was an extraordinary mother who was immensely proud of her children’s accomplishments.

She is survived by her two children, Julio and Oliver, her parents, William and Carol Burns, and her brother, William Burns III. She was a devoted aunt to her nephews and niece, William, Daniel, and Abigail. She also very much loved her grand-nephew, Theodore.

"In lieu of flowers, you may consider making donations to St. Jude's Children Hospital in Elizabeth's memory."