Ruth M. Hlavac

RUTH MARY HLAVAC, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully, on September 10, 2025, at Danbury Hospital, with loved ones by her side. Ruth was born November 27, 1930, in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of the late Mary E. Wood Waterbury and Malcolm S. Jaquith. 

As a young child, Ruth and her mother moved to Norwalk, where her mother married the late Harry Waterbury, who raised Ruth as his daughter for his entire life. It was in Norwalk where Ruth met and married her husband, the late William J. Hlavac, and ultimately moved to Danbury where they raised their family. They were married for over 60 years before his death.  

Prior to her marriage, she was a Comptometer Operator, was employed at the former Genung's which later became Howland's and J.C. Penny and for the last several years loved to volunteer at the Newtown Congregational Church’s Cornerstone Thrift Shop.

Up until her recent illness, Ruth was still living independently in her home at the age of 94 and very self sufficient! She was a member of St. Peter Church of Danbury.

Besides her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her husband, William J. Hlavac. She is survived by her children: Maureen E. Hlavac & partner Stephen Gillotti of Cromwell, CT; son Brian F. Hlavac & wife, Traci McMath-Hlavac of Rochester, NH; son William A. Hlavac & wife, Kathleen Hlavac of Brookfield; son, Darren J. Hlavac & husband, Steven Menard of San Diego, CA; granddaughter, Kelly Hlavac & husband Deane Beman of Rochester, NH, grandson, Kyle Hlavac & wife Alyse of Brookfield; grandson, Sean Hlavac of Brookfield; and great-grandsons, Hunter Hlavac and Jackson Hlavac of Brookfield.

Calling hours for family and friends will be at the Jowdy Kane Funeral Home, 9 Granville Avenue, Danbury, CT, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM followed by funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow at Wooster Cemetery in Danbury. 

Ruth’s family would like to thank the staff of Bethel Health Care and Danbury Hospital, and particularly, the pulmonary doctors and the staff on 10 East for their kindness and compassion to Ruth when she needed it most.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to either of Ruth’s favorite charities, St. Jude’s Hospital and the ASPCA.