Therese E. Ruff, 83, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Philadelphia on June 1, 1942, Therese was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Murray. She attended St. Ambrose Catholic School and Cardinal Dougherty High School and remained a proud, lifelong resident of Northeast Philadelphia and member of Maternity BVM parish.

Therese shared a beautiful life with her devoted husband, the late Robert J. Ruff. Married in 1965, their love spanned 50 wonderful years until Robert's passing in 2015. They met in the late 1950s and spent many years working side by side at The Hot Shoppe in Philadelphia. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and tradition. They treasured summers at the Jersey Shore in Cape May with extended family, and later in Sea Isle City with their children and grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished forever. After Robert's passing, Therese moved to Souderton, PA, in November 2015 to be closer to her family.

Nothing brought Therese more joy than her family. She was the heart of every gathering, lovingly hosting celebrations for every occasion—especially her famous Halloween party for Robert's birthday. She had a gift for making holidays magical, filling her home with warmth, laughter, and the comfort of home-cooked meals. Her door was always open, and all who entered felt welcomed and loved. Therese adored spending time with friends and family, and she especially loved to dance—whenever the Bristol Stomp played, she was the first one on the dance floor. She also shared many special trips and memories with her close-knit group of friends and looked forward to her weekly traditions of Sundays at Quizzo and Thursdays at the Cannstatter.

Above all else, Therese was a proud and loving grandmother to Jack, Jessica, Brynne, Mollie, and Matthew, who were the light of her life. She created countless cherished memories with them through sleepovers filled with movies and sundae bars, and special outings to the Bustleton Swim Club, the Dining Car, and Nifty Fifties. Being at Pop and Grandmom's house was a joy, and her grandchildren will carry those memories with them always.

Therese was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Lisa Anne, and her brother, Joseph Murray. She is lovingly survived by her sister, Anne Marie Montoni (Phil); her children, Robert (Kristin), Susanne Hanson (John), and Francis; and her cherished grandchildren, Jack (Jenn), Jessica, Brynne, Mollie, and Matthew. She was also overjoyed to meet her first great-grandchild, Theo, shortly before her passing; a moment that brought her happiness.

Therese will be remembered for her warmth, her generosity, her unwavering love for her family, and the joy she brought to everyone around her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, April 23, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 1601 Derstine Road, Hatfield, 19440, where the family will receive friends from 10-10:45 AM.