Ruth Eilene Davies Papagni

Ruth Eilene Davies Papagni, 86, of Bethlehem Twp, PA previously residing in Katonah, NY and New Bern, NC left us peacefully on September 4th, 2024. Ruth, born in Danville PA, grew up in Peekskill, NY before moving to Brooklyn, NY where she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse. Ruth later married Louis (Gene) Papagni and they were married for 54 years until he passed away in 2017.

Together they raised 4 sons in Katonah, NY. Lawrence (Jean), daughters Cara and Tess of Hopkinton, MA; Daniel (Melinda), sons John and Matthew of Sea Girt, NJ; Christopher, son Demetrio, daughters Angelina and Seraphina of Bethlehem, PA; Michael (Kirsten) of North Andover, MA. Ruth is also survived by her sister: Nancy (Larry Young) Davies of Cary, NC and her brother: Robert (Janice) Davies of Raleigh, NC.

Ruth completed her college degree while raising her four boys and working as a school nurse at John Jay Junior High School in Cross River, NY.

Ruth and Gene retired to New Bern, NC where Ruth helped establish and became a long serving member of the New Bern Rhems Fire and Rescue Volunteer First Responders Unit, serving her local community in the way that she loved. In addition to working as a first responder, Ruth enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader, and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Ruth spent her final years at Country Meadows Retirement Community, Bethlehem Twp, in the independent living unit. There she enjoyed her time completing crossword puzzles and spending her days with her friends and family whom she cherished.

Services: Friends and family are invited to her viewing from 11-12pm Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem followed by a service at 12pm. The interment will held privately. Online condolences may be offered www.connellfuneral.com

Contributions: For those who wish to honor Ruth with a memorial contribution, her family suggests a donation to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure, at https://www.komen.org/ or Rhems Volunteer Fire and Rescue First Responder Unit at 5860 US Highway, 17 South, New Bern, NC 28562.