With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for her life, we announce the peaceful passing of Harriet Jean (Joseph) Ruffen, a loving and devoted single mother of four, who transitioned from this life on April 19, 2025, at the age of 82.

Named after her beloved aunt Harriet, Jean was a force of nature wrapped in grace—resilient, wise, and endlessly giving. She wore every hat with unwavering strength: provider, protector, teacher, healer, cheerleader, and safe place. She raised her children—Dyan L. Ruffen-Madrey, William N. Ruffen Jr., Michael A. Ruffen, and Erick T. Ruffen—with fierce love and relentless determination, impressing upon them not just how to survive, but how to live with purpose, integrity, and heart.

Born on September 28, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, Jean was the cherished daughter of Bernice M. Pierce and James Lee Joseph, and stepdaughter to Ralph Myers, who helped raise her. She attended Patrick T. Campbell Junior High School and graduated from Jeremiah E. Burke High School when it was still an all-girls school.

On October 27, 1962, she married William Noel Ruffen, and from that union came her four children. Though life brought challenges, Jean faced each one with quiet courage, humor, and grace. In her early years she worked at Goodyear Tire’s South Boston location until the smell of the rubber was too much for the expecting mother. St. James Head Start for a year in roles that highlighted her nurturing spirit and natural ability to connect with children. A scouting family, Jean proudly served as a den mother at Saint Marks Church in Roxbury, when her sons were Cub and Boy Scouts. After the loss of her mother, she found her calling in healthcare—working over two years at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, eight years as an administrative assistant at Preterm in Brookline and later 25 years with Harvard Community Health Plan later know as Vanguard Health Systems where she retired. Her dedication to others was matched only by her tireless work ethic and compassionate heart.

Despite her own health concerns, Jean refused to be defined or limited by them. A true adventurer at heart, she found joy and wonder in exploring the world. Her travels took her to Mexico, Hawaii, Paris, England, Ireland, Italy, Iceland, Germany, Jamaica, and Switzerland—each destination a testament to her zest for life and belief in living fully, no matter what.

Jean had a dry wit, a sharp mind, and a signature frown that could speak volumes without a word. You always knew when she was thinking something—but she also knew how to make you laugh, reflect, and feel at home. She was the type of woman who said more with a look than most people could in a paragraph.

Her greatest joys were simple: a good meal, her favorite TV shows (especially General Hospital), and quality time with family—especially during holiday gatherings filled with storytelling, check-ins with old friends, and reminiscing around the kitchen table.

She is preceded in death by her parents Bernice M. Pierce, James Lee Joseph, and stepfather Ralph E. Myers, along with many loved ones who paved the way before her.

Jean leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories through her four beloved children; her sister Edna Seay; daughter-in-law Tonya Buck-Ruffen; numerous grandchildren, including Taniqua Ruffen, Michael Anthony Ruffen Jr., and Michael Aaron Madrey; nieces Sharon and Angela Seay; nephew David Seay; several great-grandchildren; great-nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of extended family and lifelong friends who were deeply blessed to know her.

Rest easy, Mom. Your love was our anchor. Your laughter was our joy. You carried the world for us—now we will carry your light.

Funeral Service, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, at 11 o'clock. Visiting Hour 10 - 11 am. Interment Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston.