The family of a 54-year-old mother of four and Stamford business owner remembers her as the pillar of their family. 

By Josh Lanier From Daily Voice

Nelly Ruiz moved to the United States in 1991 with big dreams — dreams she would eventually accomplish, but it was the family she built that brought her the greatest pride.

Ruiz, 54, was killed on Nov. 9 as she crossed High Ridge Road in Stamford. The driver, a 30-year-old man, remained at the scene, according to police.

Ruiz, a native of Ecuador who lived in Stamford, was the mother of four adult children. She was the “pillar of her family,” they wrote in her obituary.

"Anyone who knew Nelly would tell you she was ambitious, strong-willed, and extremely generous. Nelly was the pillar of her family and will be incredibly missed. Her family will carry on her traditions, life lessons, values, and love."

Ruiz came to the US to continue her education. She fell in love with cosmetology and, over the years, built a successful network of hair salons throughout Stamford. Her work ethic, dedication to her craft, and kindness set the tone for her family and community, they wrote.

But she also knew how to have fun, friends said. 

"She was always the life of the party, who could make even the most stubborn folk (such as myself) get up and dance," Joe Saleeba wrote in a memorial post for Ruiz.

A funeral was held for Ruiz last week. Police continue to investigate the crash that killed her.