After a long and heroic battle with lung disease and cancer, our beloved mother, Sally Francis Ruyack, of Cortlandt Manor, New York, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of January 9, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 83 years old.

Sally was born in the Bronx in 1942. She was the daughter of Salvatore Cesta, who was serving in the U.S. Navy at the time of her birth, and her devoted mother, Frances Cesta. The family later moved to Yonkers, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Richard Ruyack. Sally was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, her cherished son, Raymond Ruyack, who passed away at the age of 17, and her brothers, John and Thomas Cesta.

Sally was not only a devoted wife and the loving mother of five children, but also a mother and grandmother to countless others who were blessed to have her in their lives. She is survived by her four children: Richard Ruyack Jr. and his wife Elizabeth of Patterson, New York; Robert Ruyack of Panama City Beach, Florida; Ronda Kwitniack of Albrightsville, Pennsylvania; and Regina Peters and her partner Oren McDermid of Cortlandt Manor. 

She also leaves behind ten grandchildren, all of whom affectionately called her “Mom Mom”: Sammy Kwitniack, Abbey Torello, Nicky Kwitniack, Raymond Ruyack, Christopher Ruyack, Raya Hope Ruyack, Rebecca Ruyack, Joey Kwitniack, Raymond Peters, and Jack Peters. Sally was blessed to welcome the first great-grandchild of the family, Sally Grace, who entered the world just one day before her passing. She was also a beloved aunt, cousin, friend, and “adopted mom” to many others not named here, but deeply loved, nonetheless.

Throughout her life, Sally was always busy raising five young children and, in many ways, much of the neighborhood as well, while at the same time balancing a successful career as Director of Medical Records at Peekskill Community Hospital. She loved oil and watercolor painting, gardening, and spending time in Florida, but above all else, Sally cherished being ever-present in the lives of her family. She was loving, nurturing, and selfless, always making sure that her children, grandchildren, friends, and extended family had what they needed and felt welcomed and cared for.

To those who knew her and even to those who only heard stories of her, Sally was truly one of a kind. Her kindness, strength, and unconditional love touched everyone she met. She will remain forever in our hearts and will be profoundly missed.

  Visitation will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, NY, on Monday, January 12,  2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 1969 Crompon Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:15 am 

Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery, 1055 Oregon Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in Sally’s honor to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.