Sabina Marie Wiley

Born on June 12, 1935 in Monticello, New York, she was the daughter of Salvatore and Rosa Amendolara Tursi. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Michael P. Ruocco, James D. Rutledge, and Thomas M. Wiley; sister, Frances Franciosa; brothers, Michael Tursi, Vito Tursi, Joseph Tursi. She is survived by her daughters, Diana Karrasch, Cathy Sayers (Steve), and Bernadette Mullins; five grandchildren, Julia Gokhale (Ojas), Brianne Sayers, Mitchell Sayers (Kara), Elena Sayers, Mackenzie Mullins; brothers, Mike Tursi, Luke Tursi (Edna); several nieces, cousins, and dear friends.

She attended St. Joseph’s Mountain School in Forestburgh, New York and later graduated from Monticello High School in 1953. For a time, she lived and worked in Brooklyn, New York and attended a secretarial school there to enhance her clerical and office management skills. She was employed as a clerical worker at St. Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan, and also helped manage a physician’s office in Lynbrook (Long Island), New York for several years while she and Mike raised their family.

The family moved to Southwest Florida in August of 1972. A few years later, in 1978, she married Jim Rutledge. They both enjoyed the Florida lifestyle, especially taking excursions on Jim’s boat, “My Way.” Jim loved Marie’s children and family as his own, and was a special part of their lives. After Jim died in 1987, she remained in Florida and later married Dr. Thomas Wiley in 1990. Tom (“Papa”) was loved by Marie’s family and friends. They both shared the love of travel, visited many beautiful places in the states and abroad, and enjoyed meeting new friends on their trips. Perhaps their greatest adventure was buying an RV and visiting several of our country’s National Parks. Tom passed in 2010, and Marie remained in Fort Myers until May of 2021. It was then that she relocated to the Birmingham area to be closer to her daughters. For the last 18 months, she has been an Independent Living resident at Somerby St. Vincent’s. She enjoyed her time and all of the social activities there, and was blessed with many new friendships.

A devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Marie’s greatest joy and treasure were her faith and family. Her love for God, along with her kind, compassionate, and generous spirit, was a witness to her children, grandchildren, and others. Her warm smile touched the hearts of many, and will not be forgotten.

Marie had a vibrant and joyful personality! Beautiful both inside and out, she was drawn to all things colorful and pretty! She would reflect this in her dress (acquired the nickname “Fashionista”), home décor, keepsakes, and even her medical equipment in the later years! We have all appreciated being recipients of her generosity. Whether it be those “little surprises” she always brought, spontaneous visits, meals prepared for church members or friends in need, invitations to dinner at her home or themed gatherings, fun excursions with her, or one of the many special cards and thoughtful gifts she sent, always bearing a handwritten, heartfelt message…she brought love and happiness to all of us. She especially treasured phone conversations with her loved ones, and made it a priority to always stay closely connected.

She thrived on entertaining and enjoying the company of family and friends. Marie was fondly called the “hostess with the mostess!” Her culinary skills and knack for planning, organizing and hosting fun social events and gatherings could not be rivaled. It was truly her passion and love language! We will all remember the amazing food she crafted for us, always so quickly and perfectly! She had a flair for decorating, and always found a way to create beautiful and comfortable spaces for everyone. She welcomed all in her home with warmth and grace, making everyone feel special and enjoying each and every moment of those times together. She certainly lived life to the fullest!

There will be a “Celebration of Life” ceremony held at Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Senior Living Community in Hoover, Alabama on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Visit www.nami.org to donate.