Therese Regina Ruhlmann's Obituary
The long reigning, family proclaimed American champion of apple pies has rolled her last flaky crust with the passing of Therese Regina (nee Davis) Ruhlmann. Mom’s command of the kitchen reflected the same dedication and level of excellence that she successfully achieved with her education, family life and career. Therese was born in Pocatello, Idaho, the last of 10 children. She attended the University of Kansas on a full scholarship with a dual major in English and Spanish. She graduated with highest honors and as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
While a Jayhawk (during the frequently reminisced “Wilt the Stilt” Chamberlain years), Mom met John Hawkins Ruhlmann on campus at a Neumann’s social event. They were married in 1960 on a legendary hot August day in Pocatello. Ultimately Therese and John would have four children and raise them primarily in Baltimore County, Maryland. Mom’s vocation was always the family. She role modeled, and strove to instill in her children, a strong appreciation for learning, integrity and compassion. During her child rearing years, Mom completed two master degrees (Education and Special Education) while fostering a thriving home environment that supported and guided all four children towards achieving very successful professional careers.
Mom’s own professional career revolved around education, primarily Special Education for the severely and profoundly disabled. Therese’s career spanned 27 years in the Baltimore County Education system where she was a teacher for 7 years and an Assistant Principal for 20. Her compassion and patience for those with the greatest needs was inspiring to all who knew her. Mom could see the dignity and God’s light in all the children and young adults with whom she worked. She saw them as a blessing to be celebrated.
Mom’s compassion and patience was unparalleled during Dad’s stroke years. Dad suffered a debilitating stroke in 1993 and was hemiplegic until his death in June 2001. Mom was strong, stoic and patient with the entire family during those long, hard 8 years of Dad’s illness. Her devotion to her husband and family, without complaint, serves as a living example to all on how to lay down one’s life for another.
After Mom’s retirement from the school system and Dad’s death, Therese travelled the world with her “kids and sibs”. Over many years, Mom vacationed in various spots in Europe, Russia, Asia, Australia, Mexico, and her beloved United States of America. Mom was also the first to sign up for a family reunion, whenever and wherever it was. Therese’s intellect, quick wit and word play were always a pleasure to be around and well regarded. Mom was also a road warrior when it came to the grandchildren. There was no recital too far, or musical part too small, where she wouldn’t get on the road, or travel by plane, to go see and witness. Mom took great delight in the achievements of her nine grandkids and watching them grow into young adults. Mom embraced the joys of being a grandmother and all the familial privileges granted with it.
Finally, throughout Mom’s life, her Roman Catholic faith was central to her being. Her role as a wife, mother and a member in the community were all guided and influenced by the traditions and wisdom of the Church. She understood well the doctrines of the faith and could explain them to anyone who inquired. Therese was a godmother to many who chose to join the Church, either through Confirmation or the RCIA program. Mom was also a prayer warrior. She had a long list of people and causes she prayed for, and had many successes along the way. A spiritual high point for Mom was when she was able to attend Mass in Rome officiated by Pope John Paul II. Ultimately, Mom’s life would frequently mirror the words that are attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words”. Therese was an active parishioner with St. John the Apostle of Leesburg, Virginia and will be buried with her husband, John, at her former Baltimore County parish of St. Johns the Evangelist of Hydes, Maryland.
Therese leaves behind four children: John (Pixie) of Bethesda, Maryland; Regina Shaffer (Scott) of Burke, Virginia; George (Lillie) of Waldorf, Maryland; and James (Michelle) of Hutchinson, Kansas; and nine grandchildren.
A Visitation will be held on Wednesday August 30, 2017 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Loudoun Funeral Chapel 158 Catoctin Circle SE Leesburg, VA 20175. A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday August, 31 at St. Johns the Apostle Catholic Church 101 Oakcrest Manor Drive Leesburg, VA 20176. Interment will follow in St. John the Evangelist Church Cemetery 13305 Long Green Pike Hydes, MD 21082.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rise Against Hunger 3733 National Drive Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27612 http://www.riseagainsthunger.org/
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