Elizabeth Ruigrok, school employee

Elizabeth Matthews Ruigrok, a former longtime Ridgefielder who worked for the school system, died after a long illness on May 4, 2005. She was 81 years old and the widow of Albert J. Ruigrok, who died in 1985.

She had been living with her son, Albert Jr., and his family in Pennsylvania for the past few years.

Mrs. Ruigrok was born and raised in Richmond, Va., the daughter of Mary and Leslie Matthews. In 1960 she and her husband moved to Connecticut. They moved their family to South Shore Drive in 1962.

She was a former employee of the Ridgefield school system, working at Ridgebury School, and a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Church.

Mrs. Ruigrok enjoyed bowling and playing card games.

Surviving are a son, Albert J. Ruigrok Jr., and his wife, Kim, of Willow Grove, Pa.; a daughter, Gayle Ruigrok Garcia of Torrington; three grandchildren, Andrew Garcia, Albert E. Ruigrok and Anton Ruigrok; and three great-grandchildren, Antonio, Andy and Katie.

Burial services will be held on Saturday, June 11, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ridgefield.