Ruth A. (Dougherty) Pasquino

Ruth A. Pasquino, 94, Altoona, passed away peacefully Sunday, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Ashville, daughter of the late Felix and Goldie (Gauntner) Dougherty. Her humble beginnings on the farm endeared her desire to help with her 11 siblings. At the age of 16, she moved to Altoona and began working many jobs. One of her fondest holiday memories was one special Christmas she made certain every sister and niece received a new doll. She was employed as a nurse’s aid at Altoona Hospital and provided private duty nursing for many years. She was a devout member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, a member of the Bavarian Aid Society, and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Ruth is survived by her two daughters: Barbara (Albert) Lallemand and Roxann Pasquino; 3 grandsons: Andrew, Travis, and Nikolas Lallemand; a great-grandson, Austin Lallemand; 2 brothers: Felix and Thomas Dougherty; 2 sisters: Mary Shade and Joan Broadrick; and special nieces, Jane Gray and Judy Waters. Ruth loved and adored all her many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Preceded in death by her husband, David R. Pasquino; sisters: Anne Marie Blott, Rose Purdy, Rita Dougherty, Theresa Kennedy, and Norma Clapper; and brothers: Joseph and John Dougherty.

Ruth met the love of her life, David R. Pasquino in 1948. The two were married on her birthday, Nov. 25, 1952 at Our Lady of Lourdes church, Altoona. From their first date when he flew her around Altoona in a piper cub, to jitterbugging their way across every dance floor, their love was unconditional.

Ruth was always the life of the party singing Irish and Italian songs. She enjoyed her special trips with her daughters to Atlantic City, singing Etta James and the Rolling Stones all the way to New Jersey. She also enjoyed spending time with her sisters playing 500 Rummy (her way), sitting on the porch talking, going dancing with her friends, and creating special holiday memories. Ruth always had the need of her family and others in her heart.

Friends will be received from 4-8pm Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021 in the Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Committal at Calvary Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.santellafuneralhome.com.

Her beautiful Irish eyes will forever be smiling in our hearts.

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