Olga M. Ruiz, age 83 of Vineland, was born in 1940 in the small mountain town of Aibonito, Puerto Rico, known as the "City of Flowers". She spent her last days at home in NJ, surrounded by her family before departing this life on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

Olga was raised by her loving parents in a modest 2 room wood home just a few feet away from the narrow Aibonito River.  She was one of 13 children.

At the age of 19 she moved to Vineland.  Her older brother recently moved there, and she came to help his wife care for their children.  This is where she caught her future husband's eye.  It was love at first sight for Maño, who audaciously declared to her that she would be the mother of his children.  It didn't take long for him to win her heart, and once he did, she was forever devoted to him.  They had their first child, Carmen in 1961, followed by Hector, Madeline, and Manuel.  Prior to Madeline's birth in 1967 they purchased the American Dream, their first family home, where they raised all four children.  That home also became a second home to grandchildren and relatives for many years.

At a time when many women were housewives, Olga chose to follow in her mother's footsteps and help her progressive husband in supporting the family.  She went to work for DeRossi and Sons, who specialized in Army uniform contracts.  She worked at DeRossi's for 59 years where she made many lifelong friends.

Olga lived her life not just with resolve, but with a strong catholic faith.  It was important to her to educate herself, her children, and her grandchildren in the catholic faith.  Early on the devotion led her to take on leadership roles in her church through Cursillos in Christianity, and Spiritus Domini.  Bible study, visiting the sick and Saturday night mass gave her great fulfillment.

Olga was an exemplary daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and everyone's biggest supporter.  You could always count on Olga to have your back.

She was also a blessing in the kitchen.  She would never measure an ingredient but could turn up some of the best traditional Puerto Rican dishes that kept dinner guests asking for seconds, and thirds or more!  Many will fondly remember Olga for her infectious smile and her choice to be positive and happy, no matter what life threw at her.  They will remember her helping hand, and her delicious flan, pernil, avena y café.  But for most who knew her well, it will be her generous heart, her willingness to help; and the immense love and gratitude she had for her children, who she thanked every day for being present in her life.

Olga is survived by her four children Carmen, Hector, Madeline y Manuel, who will miss her incredibly.  She is also survived by her children's life partners who are like children to her; her grandchildren, and great grandchildren, four sisters, two brothers and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, January 29, 2024 from 9:30-11:00 AM in the Divine Mercy Parish, 23 W. Chestnut Ave. Vineland. Her funeral liturgy will follow at 11:00 AM in the Church, immediately following Olga will be laid to rest next to her husband in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Olga can be made to Help Tommy Recover, the grandchild of a lifelong friend, https://helphopelive.org/campaign/23235/ or to the Act Now Foundation https://www.actnowfoundation.org/

Please visit www.wbfuneralhome.com to send online condolences to the family.

Arrangements are by the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.