Carolyn Schlesier

~In Loving Memory of Carolyn (Ruff) Schlesier~

Carolyn (Ruff) Schlesier was born on October 7, 1945, in Orange, New Jersey, to Lorraine and Rudolph Ruff. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and unwavering love for her family.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, and high school sweetheart, Kenneth M. Schlesier Sr., whom she married at St. John’s Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey, as well as by her parents.

A proud graduate of Bloomfield High School, Carolyn followed her calling into nursing by attending the Jersey City School of Nursing before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seton Hall University. Her remarkable nursing career spanned more than 50 years (1968–2025), during which she touched countless lives through her skill, kindness, and dedication. She served in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey in a variety of nursing roles, including staff nurse, IV/treatment nurse, home care nurse, and Administrative Supervisor.

Outside of her profession, Carolyn found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, where each summer brought vibrant blooms and fresh harvests. She enjoyed reading and found peace sitting on her deck, quietly watching the birds and wildlife around her. In her later years, she especially treasured traveling with family and friends, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Carolyn also had a lifelong love for German Shepherds, sharing her home and heart with several faithful companions over the years.

Above all, Carolyn’s greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her three sons, Kenneth (Victoria), Peter (Heather), and Luke (Kristen), her six cherished grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her compassion, gentle spirit, and dedication to caring for others will continue to live on in the lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 201 NJ-31, Flemington, New Jersey, 08822 in Carolyn’s memory.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Flemington, NJ, with a memorial service immediately following at 5:30 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.