Margaret “Peggy” Ruske, 82, of Millville, NJ passed away at home surrounded by family on October 10, 2025 after a short battle with cancer. Born in 1943 to Ronald and Helen (Jelinek) McCorkle in Middletown, CT, she grew up in Vermont and Cromwell, CT and graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She married her childhood sweetheart and neighbor, Roger Ruske in 1966. Roger and Peggy lived for a short time in Connecticut before purchasing Cumberland Nurseries in Millville, NJ and moving there in 1967. Their only child, Christopher, was born in 1969.

Peggy worked with Roger for many years operating Cumberland Nurseries before becoming a substitute teacher in several local schools, eventually retiring from Upper Deerfield School District. Throughout her whole professional life, she also maintained the family household, offering a stable home environment to family and friends. Peggy was a long-time member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church (now All Saint’s Parish) in Millville. Her Catholic faith was extremely important to her. She volunteered in many church groups and was the long-time leader of the church’s choir and music ministry before the parish mergers in 2010. She travelled extensively with church and friend groups, being particularly fond of her travels to Ireland. She had many hobbies over the years including photography and most recently quilting.

Peggy is survived by her husband, Roger, son Christopher, daughter in-law Beth, grandchildren Lilly, Jacob, and Grace and brother David as well as multiple nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents and sister Roberta.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at All Saints Church, Dock and Depot Sts., Millville, NJ, on Saturday October 18th at 11:00 am. There will be no viewing prior to the mass. Please meet directly at the church. Burial will be held privately at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland, NJ. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peggy’s memory may be made to All Saints Parish, 621 Dock St., Millville, NJ 08332. Memories of Peggy and condolences for her family may be shared on her tribute wall.

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