Aline Ruch Frank
November 6, 1956 - September 3, 2022 Kennett Square, PA | Age 65 Loving Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend.Aline Ruch Frank passed away peacefully in her home on September 3, surrounded by her family and neighbors, who were drinking wine and telling stories. She would have loved the whole scene.
Born in Baltimore in 1956 to James Ruch and Frances Collins Ruch, she lived in many places before moving to Kennett Square in 1996.
She is survived by her siblings (Frannie, Pat, Katie, Mary, Sue, Jim, and John, and their spouses and children), her children (Henry (Kayla), Sam (Brooks), Abigail, and Hannah), and her grandchildren (Alice, Leonard, Ira, and Daphne).
Aline was incomparable. She is impossible to describe, but here are a few things her children loved about her. She was a technical designer in the fashion industry by trade—a pattern maker—and loved textiles, design, and engineering. She had a timeless style and seemingly endless talents. She earned her bachelor’s degree in medieval Spanish literature from U Penn while raising four kids. She threw herself wholeheartedly into any community that she was a part of—St. Ignatius Parish, St. Pat’s, the Kennett school district, her neighborhood, and countless more. She did a million things at once and was everywhere in Kennett. She held many jobs, was president of the Mary D. Lang PTO, was on the school board, fixed everyone’s prom and wedding dresses, wrote curricula, translated between English and Spanish, threw community welcome parties, went to all the sports games and musicals and graduations. She was always athletic, but her favorite exercise was “checking in on her peeps,” i.e. walking around town on a Friday night knowing she would run into friends anywhere she went. She was kind, open-minded, curious, mischievous, selfless, and brave. She was incredibly smart but never pretentious. She was funny, without being loud, and without putting other people down. She was not sentimental, but she loved people deeply and unconditionally. She would always say “do what you can do” and “what do normal people do?” She loved catching critters in her garden to entertain her grandchildren. She cared about public education. She was honest, unfailingly forgiving, and had no sense of entitlement. There are a lot of people who want to be just like Aline. She will be indescribably missed.
There will be a wake on Thursday, September 15, from 5-7pm at her home (111 East Sickle Street, Kennett Square, PA) and a Funeral Mass at St. Patrick Church, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square, PA at 10am on Friday, September 16. All are welcome. The service will also be available online here: https://venue.streamspot.com/66c95b9b. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82, Kennett Square, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Aline’s name and memory to the Kennett Library Capital Campaign. (https://kennettlibrary.org/donate/)
To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com
Arrangements by the Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square, PA.
Memorial Donations
Kennett Library Capital Campaign.
Make a donationServices
Calling Hours
September 15, 2022 5:00-7:00 111 East Sickle StreetKennett Square, PA
Funeral Mass
September 16, 2022 10:00 St. Patrick Church212 Meredith Street
Kennett Square,
All are welcome.
The service will also be available online here: https://venue.streamspot.com/66c95b9b.
Burial
September 16, 2022 St. Patrick's CemeteryRoute 82
Kennett Square, PA
Guestbook
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Growing up in Princeton, I remember Aline as a friend of a friend, an intriguing person within a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Years later, my husband Tom and I met Aline in Baltimore and the intrigue grew. She was smart, funny, always understated, and raised her children with effortless grace and wisdom. We saw little of Aline when she moved to Kennett Square, but thought of her often. We were not in touch much, save for Christmas cards that included, on Aline’s part, photos of Henry, Sam, Abigail and Hannah. Once we drove up and had a memorable dinner with Aline, who caught us up on their lives and her own. We recently learned of her death and are heartbroken. Aline was a radiant force. We’ll deeply miss knowing that she was out and about in the world, setting an extraordinary example for all around her.
So sorry to hear of Aline’s passing . What a beautiful obituary ! I only knew Aline as a young child growing up in Glyndon . She certainly accomplished a lot since then . Sending prayers to all the family and may she Rest In Peace . Beth Broderick Hannon
Henry, Sam, Abigail, Hannah, and family of Aline, I am so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful person . Your mom will be missed by many. She was always one of the favorite people I could chat with at school events.She was very proud of you and your accomplishments. Condolences.
Jan Orbon
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Aline! I knew–and loved–the twins in grade school and we
would spend such fun times in their very busy house in Glyndon. It was so memorable.
I always think of the Ruchs when I drive through Glyndon; which is not often because I have
lived in San Diego since 1981. May God console all of you! She was so young. Praying for all of you.
Eternal rest grant Aline, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen
Sandy Cochran Murphy
Dear Henry, Sam, Abigail, and Hannah: It was a blessing to know your mother and your entire family. What a talented, intelligent and witty bunch. I am sending love, prayers and condolences to Aline’s entire family. I pray you will be comforted by many wonderful memories. I feel lucky to have met her when I was the Music Teacher at MDL. She was always on the go as PTO President, Parent, School Board Member and faithful and faith-filled friend. We would have wonderful conversations whenever I would encounter her: on the street in Kennett, at some KCSD official event, concerts, etc. We rode the train into Philadelphia a few times (she going to class, I going to Jefferson for medical treatment) and being with her made the trip go so quickly, as she was such a wonderful communicator, always so energetic and positive. May the angels sing her into Paradise. God Bless you. Love, Roseann Kello Barnes
Dear Katie and Aline’s Family,
We are sending our deepest condolences on your tremendous loss. It was so special to be a twin and have many wonderful times with Katie and Aline during our years at Sacred Heart Church/School, Franklin High School and when we visited in Princeton. There are so many cherished memories from sharing our childhoods together, and Aline was such a key (and fun!) part of them. Sending love and prayers.
Colleen Cosgrove
Cathleen Cosgrove White
I work for the school district and knew Aline as a board member. Our children were also in school together and we saw each other at sporting events and other activities. She always took time to ask me how my children were doing and would check to see how things were going in the office. She was always very kind. She will be missed very much by everyone who knew her.
Cousin Aline was both uplifting and inspirational. Although I haven’t seen her in some years, I have many loving memories of her as both a child and a young adult. From the time she was young, spending summers at our grandfather’s Long Island Sound to the period of her younger adulthood, Aline was, as her grown children have said, incomparable. I know Aline and her shining light are so very much missed. And I believe Aline was a genuine treasure in her earthly life, as well as she will be, in eternity. Am sending prayers and sympathies to her children and all her family and loved ones. Ann McMullen Hull.
I knew Aline from my time at Kennett Consolidated School District while I was Director of Facilities and she was on the School Board. We were at many School Board meetings together. She asked many intelligent questions and had a genuine interest in the welfare of the students and the School District. She had no agenda except to do the best for the students and the District. She was a very kind person and never missed an opportunity to say thank you when it was appropriate.
Aline will be missed by many people, first by her family of course but also by many members of the community. I was privileged to know her and the District was fortunate to have her contributions on the School Board.
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful Mother, Granny, Sister, Aunt and friend to so many. May Aline rest in peace in her heavenly home and may the Lord have mercy on her beautiful soul. 🙏
Sincere sympathy to all the Frank and Ruch Families.
From the family of Seamus Costello. Ireland
Frannie, I remember Aline as a spirited, super energetic and friendly person. So sorry for your loss. Your extended family will remain in our thoughts. Josie and Ike
What a beautiful obituary! Aline saved my wedding twice (the first time when I found out I was pregnant and she perfectly tailored my lace dress to fit my new bump, and the second time when I forgot to order a wedding cake —blame it on baby brain— and she whipped up the most gorgeous, simple cake for us to cut for pictures). I will forever be grateful for the care and compassion she showed me in those busy months, and our Kennett community will never be the same without her. May her memory be eternal.
Aline made the world a better place. She was an exceptional woman on so many levels. Under the radar, she was a giver and a do-er without ever taking credit or needing credit. She wanted better for betterment’s sake not her own. Civic-minded, she volunteered tirelessly and gave throughout the Kennett Community. The world needs more Alines.
She was a champion for public education serving on the school board for many years providing invaluable insight and ideas to the Kennett Consolidated School District. Aline was wicked smart, resourceful, generous, and kind. She hosted numerous community events, providing homemade bread and treats connecting people, programs, and ideas. I don’t know of anyone who attended more community events than Aline; she was always supporting her friends and friends’ kids by attending football, lacrosse, tennis, field hockey games, musicals, concerts, open houses, parades, etc….
Humble, quiet, and unassuming she never made it about herself, but if you listened carefully she had a pulse on the situation and ALWAYS had something brilliant or funny to say. She had a way of bringing out the best in people and often showcasing someone else’s strengths. Aline refinished her own hardwood floors, designed and sewed wedding dresses, was an amazing cook, and could put a new roof on her house (” I watched a youtube video -it’s not that hard”). She never told me anything of these things I just always happened to show up while she was doing something extraordinary that she downplayed.
Aline was well read in literature and current events. She would come to a KCSD board meeting after working all day in Reading (nearly 2 hours away) and she would have read the NY TIMES cover to cover –she said she read while she was driving—shhh…. don’t tell anyone she would say.
But, she did all this while raising 4 of the most amazing children ever. All of them so kind, hardworking, generous, humble and smart like Aline…..Never did she brag about her children and each of their amazing accomplishments, but she sure did beam when she talked about them.
She was an incredibly treasured friend, mentor, and, confidante Aline will always be an inspiration ……… xoxox
Aline was an Angel on earth. She went above and beyond to assist seniors in need and at times performed the care herself. She was kind to all who came in contact with her. Myself and everyone at Visiting Angels who worked with her were lucky to have her on our team. She was a great lady and we will miss her.
Marylou spoke so highly of Aileen. Her words, her charm, her perfection. She will be missed.
What a wonderful bright light she was! I wish I had known her better.
Catherine Mahan (I knew her through Nancy Knowlton)
A beautiful tribute to a clearly loved and loving woman. We are thinking of you, Henry, Kayla, and the whole Frank family.
-Bridget and Bradley
Dearest Frannie and family, my heart is with you.Alinewas a special soul. I met her long ago but she is vivid in my mind. I shall Ake a donation to S school for poor children here in Colombia in her name. I think she would have liked that. Abrazos, Denise
That was a lovely job of writing, doubly so because of Aline’s lovely charm. I’m lucky to have known her, and lucky to read these thoughtful words. Please God, make us worthy.
Aline will be dearly missed. She was a wonderful friend and coworker.