Camille Ruggiero McManus

Camille Ruggiero McManus

With love and remembrance, we honor the life of Camille Jeanette McManus, who passed away on August 18, 2023, in Grants Pass, Oregon, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Camille Jeanette Ruggiero was born on May 17,1948, the beloved daughter of Fred and Mary Ruggiero and sister to Jane, Joseph, and Donna Marie. She grew up in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, surrounded by a loving, warm, and lively Italian family and community, giving her strong roots with a deep devotion to family and friendship. As a young woman, Camille pursued the study of computer science in its earliest days, reflecting the curiosity, intelligence, and forward-thinking spirit that would characterize her life.

When she was 24, Camille traveled across the country with friends to northern California. There she met Michael McManus, the love of her life. They married in 1981, building a home on 40 acres in Wolf Creek, Oregon, and adopting two young boys, Jacy and Keela. Together they built a vibrant life rooted in the rhythms of rural southern Oregon. Camille and Michael became central and valued members of their community—always willing to lend a hand, take on a project, and share in both the joys and challenges of country life. In Wolf Creek, Camille cherished her circle of women friends, whose companionship, laughter, and support were an important and joyful part of her life.

Camille was practical, with a creative spirit. She founded a business in downtown Wolf Creek featuring antiques, found objects, and artisan-crafted goods. Always computer-savvy, Camille embraced technology with curiosity and ease. She loved her home and her gardens, full of wonderful vegetables and beautiful flowers.

Camille and Michael always had so much fun together. They loved traveling, dancing, experiencing cultures, history, art, archaeology, new places, and cuisines. They spent many winters in Mexico and enjoyed traveling the world together. They were delightful actors in local theatre groups, with Camille designing costumes and Michael building sets. Theirs was truly a “love story for the ages”.

Camille’s kindness, compassion, courage, intellect and her hilariously dry sense of humor was an inspiration. She faced cancer with remarkable strength and grace. She treasured her lifelong friends; we deeply miss her wisdom and brilliance.

Camille is remembered by her children, Keela, Jennifer (m. Brian), and Michelle (m. Don); grandchildren Cylar, Zach, Nate, and Ashley (m. Christopher); sister-in-law Donna Ann (m. Joseph); nieces and nephews; Jennifer (m. Brad), Bryan (m. Vannie), Lauren (m. Joe Castro), Michael, Joey Jr. and Alex Castro; great grandchildren, Hunter, Brodie, Trenton, Dax, Carter, Grey and Taylor.

Camille was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael; sons, Jacy and Kevin; sister, Jane; parents, Fred and Mary Ruggiero; and son in law, Brian.

On her final day, her beloved Michael surely lifted her up to the heavens. Her memory lives on in the many lives she touched with her warmth, wit, and generous spirit. Like her flowers she so loved, Camille’s spirit will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Please share a message in her Guestbook.