Maria Rose Ruggiero " Poppy", of Plympton, MA, passed away on August 18, 2026, at her home peacefully in Plympton, MA, after a long battle with Dementia.

Maria was born in Cambridge, MA to John and Marjorie Costello on July 18, 1946. She went to high school at The Cambridge High and Latin School and graduated in 1964. She went on to earn a degree as a Certified Medical Assistant and was also a licensed Florist. She worked for several Years at Newton Memorial Hospital where she loved working with her patients. She was an avid equestrian and animal lover fostering and caring for countless animals of every kind. She enjoyed training and showing Tennessee Walking Horses for many years, competing throughout New England and was former President of New England Tennessee Walking Horse Association. Her driving force was being loving Wife, Mother and Nana.

Maria is survived by her husband Stephen Ruggiero of Plympton, MA and was married for 63 years and he was by her side at her time of her passing in Plympton, MA . She is also survived by her children Roseann Fallis of Plympton, MA, Stephen Ruggiero Jr. of Nashville, TN, Paula Landolfi of Pembroke, MA, and John Ruggiero of Weymouth, MA . She was a very proud Nana of her 5 grandchildren; Laurel Fallis, Brennan Fallis, Ryan Landolfi, Ben Landolfi and Dominic Ruggiero. She was pre deceased by her siblings Eddie Costello, Rose Wilson-Bourque and her twin Louis Costello.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to Black Feather Horse Rescue in Plymouth, MA or Croi Health Palliative Home and Health Hospice, Norwell, MA The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Croí Health Palliative, Home, & Hospice Care in Norwell, MA, their wonderful caregivers as well as her private caregiver Amy Ramsey who always kept her in high spirits as well as giving her amazing care.

A private celebration of life for friends and family will be scheduled at a later date. She will be buried at Fairlawn Cemetary in East Weymouth, MA . Shepherd Funeral home will be handling the funeral arrangements.