Ruth Marie Tormey

Ruth Marie Tormey

February 16, 1927 - April 11, 2023

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Obituary

MADISON - Ruth Marie Tormey, age 96, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Oak Park Place. She was born on Feb. 16, 1927, in Madison, the daughter of Rupert and Estella (Endregardt) Schmelzer.


Ruth graduated from Madison East High School in 1945. She married her high school sweetheart Robert Tormey on June 19, 1948, in Madison. They would have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary this year. Before she started her family she worked for the University of Wisconsin and later transferred to the State of Wisconsin. She was a charter member of St. Dennis Catholic Church and active in the church, the school and the festival. She was also the proud wife of a veteran.


Ruth enjoyed working with her hands, especially upholstering and doing needle point. She made Christmas ornaments for all of the children and grandchildren over the years. She loved dancing and cooking for her family.


Ruth is survived by her husband, Robert; four sons, Jeffrey (Jean) Tormey, Mark (Carol) Tormey, Perry (Marilyn) Tormey and Brian (Kris) Tormey; daughter, Gail (Dean) Maly; daughter-in-law, Kay Tormey; 13 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.


She was preceded in death by her two sons, Kevin Tormey and Joseph Tormey; parents, Rupert and Estella; and five brothers, Daniel, Richard, Paul, Louis, and Rupert Schmelzer.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, with Fr. Randy Timmerman presiding. Entombment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday.


In lieu of flowers memorials may be gifted in Ruth’s name to Agrace HospiceCare or to St. Dennis Catholic Church.


The family wishes to thank the staff of Oak Park and Agrace HospiceCare for all of their wonderful care and support given to Ruth and her family.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



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Marian Steele
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My prayers and condolences to Bob and family. Ruth was a beautiful and caring person. Marian Steele member of St. Dennis Parish
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Anonymous
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We are very sorry for your loss.
MS
Mark Sponem
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We all have very fond memories of Ruth and the Tormey family. With Love, Steve & Patti, Connie, Nancy & Buster, Mary Jo & Doug, Mark & Kim
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Nancy Pschorr
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Always beautiful and delightful to hang out with! Expert baker to help out with cooking projects. Pillar of the community at Oak Park and model for family and marriage! We will miss you so!
JB
Jeanne Yelczyn Behrens
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Dear Tormey Family, I was so sorry to hear about Ruth’s death. Your entire family is in my thoughts and I’m sending prayers for your comfort. There are so many fond memories I have of your family and especially Ruth. She was there to rescue me when I decided to walk home from school to eat my lunch at home and no one was home. Ruth saw me and invited me to eat my lunch at your house before sending back to school. I will never forget the time Ruth put together a set of “real” baby clothes for my baby doll. I can’t hear or say the rosary without thinking about us gathered kneeling around their bed anytime I stayed overnight. Ruth taught me the proper way to make an open face ham salad sandwich for our Sunday night dinner in front of Wonderful World of Disney! So many great memories of this kind and caring woman. May your memories give peace at this time and always. Jeanne Yelczyn Behrens
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Bev Yelczyn
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Bob, Tormey brothers and Gail, My heart is with you on the loss of my 2nd mom, Ruth, growing up. When we lived next door on Dempsey, Ruth was our babysitter/mom. Even though we were told not to go in the Marsh nor cardboarding down the viaduct, we couldn't help ourselves. Remember practicing our St. Dennis Campout skits? Ruth was our biggest fan. When I would come home durning the St. Dennis Festival, I knew I would find Bob in the kitchen and Ruth overseeing the festivities somewhere in the church. So many fond memories. Love you all and sending BIG HUGS! Bev Yelczyn

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