Ruth Helen Altschuler Obituary

Ruth Helen (Persky) Altschuler, 97, of Guilford, passed away on August 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Ruth was born on October 28, 1927 in New Haven, to the late Isadore and Kate Persky. Ruth was a resident of West Haven for most of her life where she raised her family.

Ruthie greatly enjoyed her years working with expectant parents and their newborns at Yale New Haven Hospital Perinatal Education.  After a grand retirement party, she immediately returned part-time to the job she loved so much.

One of her proudest achievements was earning an Associate Degree in Geriatric Studies from Gateway Community College in her late 60's.

She later volunteered at Hagaman Memorial Library in East Haven where she was known as the "Sunshine Girl", playing piano for veterans and assisting patrons.

Ruth was an active member of Congregation Sinai in West Haven where she jubilantly sang in the choir.  She was deeply devoted to upholding her religion and sharing traditions with her family.

Ruthie was a genuine people person, and easily made new friends wherever she was. Her uplifting spirit and spark were infectious to everyone around her.

Ruth had a profound love of sweets and chocolate, and shared her passion by baking goodies for everyone to enjoy.

During her time at Apple Rehab of Guilford, she regularly attended her morning and afternoon activities, always front and center, dancing and singing in her chair.

Ruth is survived by her loving children Marlene (Greg) Savage of Las Vegas, NV, Susan (Peter) DeFrank of Clinton, and Louis (Jennifer) Altschuler of Madison; beloved granddaughters, Jennifer DeFrank of FL, Stacey Savage of Las Vegas, NV, Sydney Altschuler of Brooklyn, NY, and Ava Altschuler of Madison. In addition, great granddaughter Kailey Wheeler of Jamestown, CA, and great grandson, Konner Savage of Las Vegas, NV, as well as nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brothers Edward and Benjamin Persky, and sisters Freda Rosenthal, Theresa Mindell, and June Felner.

The family would like to extend appreciation for the extraordinary and compassionate care provided by her nurses and aides who treated her like family at Apple Rehab, and to Yale New Haven Hospice Care.

Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service on Tuesday, September 2, 10am, Beaverdale Memorial Park, 90 Pine Rock Avenue, New Haven.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Heart Association, or The Alzheimer's Association.