Edith Louise Brooks Ruger-Schwartz, age 88, of New Paltz, passed away on April 9th, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie, NY. She was born in Sundown, NY in 1936, the daughter of the late Kenneth Brooks and Madge (De Puy) Brooks. She married Dr. Michael J. Schwartz, in 1999. Her first husband, Smith Ruger predeceased her.
Edith was a graduate of New Paltz High School and SUNY New Paltz, where she received her BA degree. She went on to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, to complete her Masters degree in Clinical Social Work and obtain her CSW certification. Her quest for knowledge took her for further training at both Pathwork in Phonecia NY, and CORE Energetics, in NYC. She began her second career as a Social Worker, after raising 3 sons. Her first employment in Social work was at Family Counseling in Newburgh, NY and eventually advanced to Ulster BOCES to work with High School troubled children and families. Edith maintained a private practice in personal counseling, in New Paltz, specializing in CORE methodology. Seeing how her students from BOCES turned their lives around was a great source of pride. She was the “stable base” for many, and her gentle kindness gave much to those who encountered her.
Edith is survived by her sons Keith Ruger (Dianne), David Kip Ruger, and Michael Ruger (Kristin Tully), grandchildren Justin Ruger (Lisa), David Ruger (Kaity), Kevin Ruger, Emily Ruger (Andrew Rotondo), Kyle Ruger (Andrada), great grandchildren Smith Ruger, Saylor Ruger, Max Ruger, Augie Rotundo, and Axel Ruger. Additionally, stepchildren Amy Schwartz-Wallace, (Fran), Julie Pagones (Steven), Dr. Nancy Valens, Rebecca Ray (Christian) and Allison Janow (Jon), step grandchildren Michael, Isabel, Lily, Adam, Lance, Virginia, August, Gabriel and Sidney. Her niece Lorrenda Manganaro was the daughter she never had.
She was predeceased by brothers Randall Brooks (Masie), Richard Brooks (Pauline) and Delton Brooks (Dianne).
Final cremation arrangements were with Copeland-Hamer Funeral Services in New Paltz, and private family burial will take place at the New Paltz Rural Cemetery. Some of her remains will be scattered in Mohonk trails, her favorite hiking place. Following will be a Celebration of her Life gathering at family convenience. In lieu of flowers suggested contributions may be made to MS (Doctors Without Borders), Hospice of the Hudson Valley, or your preferred charity.
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