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With sadness that she has left us, but with joy that we can celebrate such a wonderful life, the family of Norene Janet Ruffilli (Borthwick) announce her passing on Saturday, December 21st, 2024, at the age of 99. Norene was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Marion Borthwick, and the love of her life, her husband, Alfred Ruffilli, who passed in 2015, after over 70 years of marriage.
Norene is survived by her family who she loved dearly: her sons, Robert (Barbara), John (Betty) and Paul (Julie); grandchildren, Dean (Kelsey), Rob, Tim (Meghan), Sheena, Angela, Laura (Brennan), Matthew, and Steven (Ili); great-grandchildren, Ava, Maddie, Santino, Carmela, Pearl and Isaac; very special step-grandchildren, Jeffrey Kingyens and Brooke Leckie (Patrick) and Brooke’s daughter, Sloane. Mom was blessed to have a special relationship in her later years with her half-niece, Carrie Dymond and family.
Norene loved and was loved by many; she was blessed with countless friends, having been raised in Sarnia and as a student at SCITS. She could be the life of the party and she would be the first at your door if you were in need.
There was a special place in her heart for the Sauve, Dunn, Phillips and Hathaway girls; the daughters she never had.
Norene was a rock, loved her Lord, her family and her friends. She carried that vitality to the end, as many would say she never stopped being young.
Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Landmark Retirement Village, Rosewood Retirement Home and most recently Vision Nursing Home; only Angels are allowed to work at these residences. Norene made fast friends of them at each.
A private family service and interment will be held in May, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life for family and friends. An exact date, time and location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, family requests any donations be made in her name to Inn of the Good Shepherd or Sarnia Humane Society (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
The family of Norene Ruffilli would like to extend an invitation to those who wish to attend a Celebration of Life for Norene at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club, 500 Errol Rd. W., on Saturday, May 17th, 2025 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. We look forward to sharing memories of Norene with you.
