Ruth Mary Arbelo

Ruth Mary Arbelo, age 96, of The Villas, NJ, a beloved matriarch and vibrant spirit, passed away on May 7, 2025.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Frances (Winalis) Kofeldt.

Ruth was known for her warm and engaging personality, embodying qualities that made her beloved by many. Witty, loving, caring, passionate, and friendly, she found joy in conversation and took pleasure in connecting with those around her.

A devout Catholic, Ruth was dedicated to her faith and found a deep connection with the Pink Sisters as well as her many church friends at her community church, Union Church, in Cape May Point, NJ.

Those who were fortunate enough to gather around her table know of her culinary prowess, particularly her renowned Italian Escarole Soup—a recipe that brought warmth and comfort to every meal shared with family and friends. Ruth also found joy in the simpler pleasures of life, such as gardening as she wove joy into the very fabric of her life by tending to her plants and embracing the tranquility of weeding under the sun. Shopping was another of her enjoyable pursuits. She loved listening to the Phillies baseball games on the radio.

Ruth's love for life extended beyond the home. She relished dining out at Exit Zero Restaurant in W. Cape May Point, NJ. Her zest for life was further exemplified in her passion for ballroom dancing, where she twirled with grace alongside champion dance instructor Tom Cupp. Her adventurous spirit was matched by her love for the outdoors, from camping to boating and traveling across the country—each journey enriching her heart and soul. Another one of her favorite trips was to the Daytona 500 in Florida, enjoying the thrill of the race.

Yet, undeniably, the most cherished aspects of her journey were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were not just her legacy but the very essence of her being, providing her with unparalleled joy and purpose. Her dedication to family exemplified a life lived fully and with love.

Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Alexander Henry Arbelo, Jr.; the loving mother of Alexander H. Arbelo, III, Ruth Giberson, Joseph Charles Arbelo (Cathy), Francis William Arbelo (Anita), and Robert Patrick Arbelo. She was the devoted grandmother of Jeremiah, Ali, Beth, Steven, Vanessa, Trista, Mike, Anna, Robert, Elise, Andy, Kylene, Nate, Mary, Chrissina, Joseph, Kristen, William, Laura, Elijah, Isaac, and Frederick. Ruth was the caring great-grandmother of Emily, Sebastian, Sylvia, Blake, Camryn, Harper, Rocco, Frankie, Lucy, Cree, Van, Damon, Arlie, Juliana, and Maya.

Family and friends are invited to honor her memory at her Viewing on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073, followed by her Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Interment thereafter at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.