Ruth Michel
MICHEL: Ruth Michel, age 80, passed on Sept. 30, 2026, in Naples, Florida. She was an exceptional and lifelong teacher. She was the teacher of special young people. She also taught parents, school staff and others in the community who interacted with her students. Ruth was also our family’s teacher. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Ruth’s parents were Dorothy and Hymen Rosenberg. With the same personal warmth, empathy and spirit of her father, she had the gift for making people like her instantly. She had a purpose in life to make things better for her students, and with that she made her mark. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in peace. She resided in Pittsburgh and Scott Township with her husband, Philip, until relocating with her family to Westfield, New Jersey, Harmony, Pennsylvania, and Naples, Florida. She was a primary school teacher with the Pittsburgh Public Schools, and a special education teacher with the Westfield School System and Union County Education Services. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Pennsylvania State University and completed the graduate school program in special education from Kean University. She was an active member of Temple Emanuel in Westfield, New Jersey, and B’Nai Harim in Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania. In Pittsburgh she was an active member of ORT. She was also president of the local chapter of NJEA in Westfield. Ruth is survived by her husband, Philip, daughters Heather and Robin, and brother Arnold Rosenberg. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at 11 a.m. Visitation one hour prior to service (10 to 11 a.m.). Interment Beth Abraham Cemetery. Donations in Ruth’s honor would be appreciated to two organizations: Avow Hospice of SW Florida (they provided exceptional care and services to Ruth for over two years); or InRoads to Opportunities, who provides services to the population Ruth taught in the Westfield and surrounding community, inroadsto.org/ruthmichel. schugar.com PJC
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