Robertina "Ruby" Soderquist

Robertina ‘Ruby’ Soderquist, of New Canaan, passed away in her home on Saturday, December 23 rd. She would have turned 76 on January 9th. Born in Paisley, Scotland, the daughter of the late Michael Mackie and Mary Gillogley Mackie, she had been a resident of New Canaan for the past 43 years. It would be an understatement to say that she will be missed.

She was known for her enormous personality, which was somehow packaged into 4 feet and 8 inches. Her short stature and bold curly hair being recognizable pieces of her charming presence throughout her life. She loved figuring out recipes and always cooked for a crowd, packing up leftovers for her neighbors and friends. She devoured books, especially those in the mystery genre, which were a great match for her sharp, witty and curious mind. She loved spending time with her family and talking to her many friends. She had a wild and audacious sense of humor and an unforgettable brogue-tinged accent that enhanced every punchline.

Ruby immigrated to the Bridgeport, CT in 1961 at the age of 13 and graduated from Central High School in 1966. She was naturalized as a United States citizen in 1967. After high school, Ruby attended and graduated from the University of Bridgeport School of Nursing. She worked as a nurse until becoming a homemaker after the birth of her fourth child.

Ruby is survived by three children: Kathy Ruscoe and her husband Robert of Ridgefield, Kenneth Soderquist and Chelsea Merwin of Wilton, Brian Soderquist and his wife Tara of Dobbs Ferry, NY; seven cherished grandchildren Alison Soderquist, Amy Nixon and her husband Riley, Katie and Will Ruscoe, Connor Grillo, Zachary and Lauren Soderquist; her beloved siblings Mary ‘Marie’ Warren of Salem, MA, Kathleen Crist and her husband Peter of Los Angeles, CA, Jessie Karr and her husband Alan of Warren CT, Tony Mackie and Maria Lacovoni of Ohio. She is also survived by numerous brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

We would be remiss to mention that Ruby is also survived by her cat Coco, who brought her tremendous comfort. Coco has been adopted by her oldest granddaughter and will continue to be a loved member of the family

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Kenneth Soderquist and daughter Carol Grillo, as well as by her brother, Michael Mackie.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Aloysius Church, 21 Cherry Street, New Canaan on Saturday January 20th at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, friends may consider a donation to the Bennett Cancer Center, 1 Hospital Plaza, Stamford CT 06902.