Obituary of Celia Rosa Rulle

Celia Rosa Rulle left this world on May 10, 2024, surrounded by family at the age of 67 years old. She lived a life marked by love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to her family.

Born in Havana, Cuba, to parents Ramon and Berta (Rojas) Marrero, Celia immigrated to the United States in 1963 and settled in Brooklyn, NY. She was a true city girl and lived in Manhattan before moving to her first home, followed by her dream home, in Mendham, NJ, where she has resided for 38 years.

Celia was a woman of faith and was a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Mendham. She was a devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister, and an incredible homemaker, doting on her family, staying involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, keeping an immaculate home, and was an active philanthropist, namely throughout her years involved with the Visiting Nurse Association of New Jersey. Outside her family, Celia’s generosity of time, attention, and love was experienced by all she encountered. She was proud of her Cuban heritage, believed strongly in fighting for justice, and was simply a beautifully colorful person who made everyone who knew her feel special. 

Celia is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Michael Rulle Jr., children Alexandra (Eric) Rasmussen of Bernardsville, NJ, Michael (Gina) Rulle III of Chester, NJ, Victoria Rulle of North Hudson, NY, and Kyle (Jesenia) Marrero of Lancaster, PA, beloved godson Michael Cordova, sister Lucia Bradshaw, brothers Raymond Marrero, Armando Marrero, Jorge Marrero, Carlos Marrero, grandchildren Frederick, Roberta, Simon, Alba, Elias and Leonardo, and cherished nieces and nephews. Celia is predeceased by her siblings, Teresa Forster, Olga Marrero, and Raul Marrero, her parents, Ramon and Berta Marrero, her father- and mother-in-law, Michael and Marion Rulle, her sisters-in-law, Elaine Gregory and Carol Rulle, and her niece, Nicole Gregory. To say she will be missed is an understatement.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 17, from 4-8 PM at the Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Road, Mendham NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Church, W. Main Street, Mendham NJ. Interment will follow Mass at Hilltop Cemetery where Celia will be laid to rest with her mother and sister.