Middletown, August 18, 2025
News Summary
The Middletown community is grieving the passings of three beloved residents: Renate Hotrich Ruland, Emerald Anne Rempel, and Nancy Simonetti. Each had a profound impact on their families and friends, highlighting the strong bonds within the community. Their legacies of love and resilience will continue to resonate as memorial services are planned to honor their memories.
Community Mourns Loss of Three Beloved Individuals
The community of Middletown is grieving the loss of three cherished residents: Renate Hotrich Ruland, known as Ronnie, Emerald Anne Rempel, and Nancy Simonetti. Each of these individuals left a lasting impact on family, friends, and the broader community, underscoring the deep connections that bind this area together.
Renate Hotrich Ruland
Renate Hotrich Ruland passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, at the age of 74 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Surrounded by her children, Ronnie was affectionately known as “Momma Ru” or “Nana Ru.” She was born in Görlitz, Germany, and immigrated to Brooklyn, New York, in 1955 with her parents.
Following her early years in Brooklyn, Ronnie spent her adult life in Middletown, New Jersey, where she raised her children with her first husband, Gary Ruland. She dedicated over 30 years of her career as a medical administrator for Drs. Harry and Stephen Swartz before relocating to Forked River with her second husband, James Kwiatkowski, in 2002. Ronnie enjoyed family vacations, particularly annual trips to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and visits to lighthouses.
Ronnie is survived by her children, Kristina McKinley and Daniel Ruland, her five grandchildren, and her husband, James Kwiatkowski, along with his daughters and grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on August 30, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church in Middletown, with contributions in her honor encouraged to support the church.
Emerald Anne Rempel
Eager to live life to the fullest, 29-year-old Emerald Anne Rempel, also known as Emme, passed away on July 31, 2025, after a battle with breast cancer. Originally from Hackensack, New Jersey, and raised in Monmouth Beach, she was a graduate of Shore Regional High School, where she participated in theater and cheerleading and later rowed at the University of Miami, obtaining both undergraduate and master’s degrees.
Emme was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and built a vibrant career at FOX Business Network in New York City, where her passion for music, adventures, and traveling shone brightly. She is remembered by her parents, Katrine and Brendan Rempel, her brothers Connor and Liam, and a close-knit community of family and friends, including her beloved cat, Boots.
Nancy Simonetti
Nancy Simonetti, a resident of Middletown, passed away peacefully at her home on August 5, 2025, at the remarkable age of 102. Known as Nana, Nancy was a devoted matriarch who cherished her family. She was predeceased by her husband, Pasquale Simonetti, her son-in-law, brother, and stepsister.
Born in Ozone Park, New York, Nancy obtained a Bachelor of Arts in French from Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York, and continued her education at Laval University in Quebec and Fordham University. She was an active parishioner at St. Agnes Church in Atlantic Highlands, dedicating 30 years to teaching kindergarten at St. Agnes School.
Her warmth extended beyond family as she hosted numerous family dinners and gatherings. Nancy is survived by her children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family has expressed gratitude for the medical team and hospice staff who supported her during her final days. Visitation and burial services were conducted on August 8, 2025, with donations requested in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers.
Conclusion
The passing of these three remarkable women has left a profound void in the hearts of their loved ones and the community at large. As families prepare to honor their memories through gatherings and contributions, their legacies of love, resilience, and compassion will undoubtedly endure.
FAQs
Who were Renate Hotrich Ruland, Emerald Anne Rempel, and Nancy Simonetti?
They were three beloved individuals from Middletown who recently passed away, touching the lives of many.
What were the circumstances surrounding their deaths?
Renate Ruland passed away from pancreatic cancer, Emerald Rempel from breast cancer, and Nancy Simonetti lived to be 102 years old, passing peacefully at home.
What are the details of their memorial services?
A memorial service for Renate Ruland will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on August 30, 2025. Nancy Simonetti’s visitation and burial services took place on August 8, 2025.
What contributions can be made in their memory?
Contributions in Renate’s memory can be made to Christ Episcopal Church, while donations in Nancy’s memory can go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers.
Key Features Summary
| Name | Age at Death | Date of Passing | Survived By | Funeral Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renate Hotrich Ruland | 74 | August 3, 2025 | Two children and husband, grandchildren | Memorial service on August 30, 2025 |
| Emerald Anne Rempel | 29 | July 31, 2025 | Parents, brothers, friends | No public service mentioned |
| Nancy Simonetti | 102 | August 5, 2025 | Four children, numerous grandchildren | Visitation and burial on August 8, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Renate Hotrich Ruland – Two River Times
- Wikipedia: Pancreatic cancer
- Emerald Anne Rempel – Two River Times
- Google Search: Breast cancer
- Nancy Simonetti – Two River Times
- Google Scholar: French education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kindergarten
- Google News: Middletown
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
