Nelly Elfrida Ruiz (Correa) passed away on October 14, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

She will be remembered by her extraordinary and loving husband of 45 years, Julio M. Ruiz; children: Tammy Beth LaChance (Mark) of Florence, Massachusetts, Julio M. Ruiz, Jr. (Kristin) of Tampa, Florida, Tracy Bess Falco (Peter) of Haydenville, Massachusetts, Noel Alejandro Sanchez of Tampa, Florida and Angelica Ruiz-Stastny (Andrew) of Lithia, Florida; grandchildren: Christopher (Trishna), Eliana, Alexander, Stephanie, Juliana, Zachary, Anthony, Jonathan, Ariyana, Joshua, Victoria and Kingston; and great-granddaughters: Angelica, Valentina and Ysmaya; sisters: Lucy Robles, Elba Sierra, Arlene Correa and Teresa Correa; brothers: Elliot Correa and Alberto Correa; as well as numerous relatives and friends. Nelly was predeceased by her parents, Alejandro and Angelica Correa; brothers: Charlie Correa, Benny Correa and Alex Correa.

Nelly was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was born in Salinas, Puerto Rico on November 7, 1948. She graduated from Dickinson High School (Jersey City, New Jersey) in 1966 and completed her Bachelor's degree at The City College of New York (CUNY) at night. Nelly worked a fulfilling 42 years in social work for the mentally disabled and challenged and was an amazing Mental Health Service Director and Advocate before her retirement in 2009.  She was a trailblazer during her tenure with the Casa Latina of Hampshire County in Massachusetts, The Mayor's Advisory Board for the Mental Health and Disabled of Hillsborough County amongst countless other advocacy boards that she served on throughout her career.

Nelly's fierce commitment to family was evident in all she did. She grew up in Brooklyn, a loving sibling to 9 brothers and sisters. They all describe her as hard worker, caregiver, a confidant, a force to be reckoned with. Our mom was an amazing host, and everyone loved spending time with her, enjoying her love, light and grace. She was known for her cooking and she loved it -no one will ever match her Arroz con gandules and Pernil.  Our mom had the humblest spirit and beautiful heart, and she truly did not realize the impact she had on all who were lucky enough to know her. As her family, our deepest longing is, quite simply, more time with her.

It would be wrong to say that she lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. When anyone else would have broken, our mom stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. There was no quit in Nelly. Just because she is no longer here, it doesn't mean she lost her fight.

Nelly was a practicing Catholic all of her life and her faith was paramount. She attended Nativity Catholic Church for more than 20 years and after the Covid Pandemic attended St. Stephen Catholic Church with her daughter, Angelica and Son-in-Law, Andrew. If you ever asked her to pray for you or with you, I guarantee your prayers have been and will continue to be answered. It's because of that faith we know she is taking her rest in heaven.

Nelly's family would like to thank the Moffitt Cancer Center and Lifepath Hospice staff for the incredible care provided to her during this (what we consider) sudden and unexpected tragedy. She had so many more years to live, grandchildren's graduations, proms, future marriages and future great grandchildren to enjoy.

In keeping with Nelly's wishes, there will be a private viewing and funeral for invited family and friends only. For those who wish donations may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center or Lifepath Hospice in her memory.