Ilene Ruttenberg

Ilene Ruttenberg Loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away on Tuesday November 22, 2022, after a brave battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Her family was by her side. She was 83 years old. Ilene is survived by husband Jeffrey, daughter Margie, son Jimmy (Lori), grandsons Ben and Zack, sister Ronna (Harry Back) and countless friends and loved ones. Her brother Steve Pariser passed in 2017. Ilene was born on August 24, 1939 in Pittsburgh to Morris and Ethel Pariser. She attended Leslie College in Boston where she earned a BA in Early Childhood Education and met her future husband. Jeff and Ilene were married on October 1, 1961. They lived in Providence until 1965 when they moved with their young daughter to Pittsburgh. A few years later they had their son and their family was complete. Jeff and Ilene were married for 61 years. They had a special lifelong partnership rooted in love. They supported each other during life's challenges and celebrated life's mitzvahs and blessings. One of Ilene's biggest blessings was being a grandmother. She loved to babysit and read to Ben and Zack when they were little. Ilene was known as "Mema" to her grandsons and as Mrs. Ruttenberg to hundreds if not thousands of other children and parents during her nearly 40 years of teaching preschool at the Jewish Community Center of Pittsburgh. Ilene was adored and admired by her students and parents. Mrs. Ruttenberg's classes always had a waiting list. Ilene won many awards and was recognized for her teaching and for the programs she created and developed at the JCC, including "Amazing Afternoons". Her family is proud of her contributions to the community but is mostly grateful for the many years of love and support she provided. Her family also wishes to thank the wonderful staff at AHAVA Memory Care and Sivitz Hospice for their loving care of Ilene. Donations to honor Ilene can be made to the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh or Autism Speaks. A service in celebration of Ilene's life will be held at The Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill on Thursday December 1 at 5:30pm. Visitation with the family will follow. Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. www.dalessandroltd.com.

Ilene Ruttenberg

August 24, 1939 - November 22, 2022