Ruth B. Gaita
SMITHFIELD—Ruth Bergleitner Gaita, formerly of Douglaston, N.Y. and Stuart, Fla., 89, died Oct. 5, 2009, in Windsor.
Mrs. Gaita was office manager for her husband’s business, Pell Jewelry Co., N.Y., established in 1941.
Pell Jewelry designed for Disney Production Co. and the World’s Fair.
It also produced the Miss America Beauty Pageant tiara. Retirement brought her and late husband, Anthony Gaita to Stuart, where they lived until his death in 2006.
Her father, George C. Bergleitner, was a renowned horologist from Vienna, Austria.
The Switzerland Horologist Society acknowledged his chronometer and achievements in the USA.
As a child, her birthday parties were announced in the local newspapers.
She was a teacher and a mentor to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren in the art of cards and she was an avid bridge player.
She was active in church as well as community clubs, Brookville Country Club, Brookville, N.Y., Cocoanut Point Yacht Club, Stuart, Stuart Women’s Club and Jacaranda Garden Club, Fla.
Those who are left behind have been touched and influenced by her kindness, generosity and sense of humor.
Survivors include two daughters, Diane Giddens of Monticello, Fla., Marilyn Pellicane of Smithfield; son-in-law, Arthur O. Pellicane, M.D. of Smithfield; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and nephew, George C. Bergleitner III and his family of Stamford, NY.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday at Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Will Montgomery officiating. Burial is private.
Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield.