Maryann C (Chico) Ruege

Maryann C. Ruege, 60, of Rotterdam, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at St. Peter's Hospital. Born and raised in Schenectady, Maryann was the daughter of the late John and Helen Kozielski Chico. She was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and Albany Business College. She has lived in Rotterdam since 1999. Maryann was employed by the NYS Dept. of Transportation in Albany for 38 years. She also worked at the Hannaford Supermarket in Rotterdam for 10 years and served as an Election Inspector for Schenectady Co. for 39 years. Maryann grew up in the former St. Mary's Church in Schenectady and was a longtime parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Church.More recently, she was a communicant of St. Gabriel's Church in Rotterdam and was active with the church's Women's Club and the Family Promise Program. In addition to her parents, Maryann was also predeceased by her husband, Joseph F. Ruege Sr. who died in 2005. She is survived by her son; Joseph F. Ruege Jr and her daughter; Theresa Ruege as well as her cats. Maryann took pride in her Polish heritage, especially holiday customs. She had many various interests and hobbies and was an active volunteer over the years, most recently, animal advocacy. She was passionate about her family history, working with ancestry.com. Her camera was her BFF and "constant companion", and she never hesitated to try to capture and share memories for others. She also enjoyed being at the ocean and lighthouses. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 6-8 pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave.Funeral services will begin on Tuesday, 9:15 from the funeral home followed at 10 am by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Gabriel's Church. Burial will be at St's Cyril & Method Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to: the Sisters of the Resurrection, 35 Boltwood Ave. Castleton, NY, 12033, St. Gabriel's Church Memorial Fund, 3040 Hamburg St. Schenectady, 12303 or to the Schenectady Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave. Schenectady, 12302