Ann Marie Ruel, 67, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 16, 2026. She was born on June 16, 1958, in Peoria, Illinois. After 13 years in remission, cancer returned, and she faced it with the same strength and determination that defined her life.

Ann was also a longtime resident of Harrison, Maine, where she lived for 43 years and was deeply involved in the Bridgton and Harrison communities.

Ann is survived by her devoted husband, Ronald Ruel of The Villages, Florida; her loving daughter, Rachel Ruel Karim, and son-in-law, Mo Karim of Middleton, Florida; her mother-in-law, Doris Ruel of W. Bowdoin, Maine; her sister-in-law, Diane Lauter, and brother-in-law, Dr. David Lauter of Eliot, Maine; her brother, Steve Suau, and sister-in-law, Diane Suau of Venice, Florida; her brothers, Joseph Suau and his wife, Jennifer, of Peoria, Illinois, Anthony Suau of New York, and John Suau.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elaine Martin Suau and Elio Suau, and her father-in-law, Gerard “Gerry” Ruel.

Ann earned her bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and built a successful 43-year career in real estate. She owned and operated Century 21 Lake Region Realty and most recently worked with Keller Williams Realty. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to helping others made her a respected professional in her field.

Beyond her career, Ann was deeply committed to giving back. She founded and led the nonprofit organization “On Eagle’s Wings” in Bridgton, Maine, which provided free massage and reflexology services to local cancer patients. Her compassion and leadership left a lasting impact on many lives.

Ann was an active member of Bridgton Alliance Church in Maine, where she was especially involved in children’s programs, and later attended Church at The Springs in The Villages, Florida. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life and guided her kindness and generosity. Her family finds great peace in knowing that she accepted Jesus Christ and is now with her Lord and Savior in heaven.

She lived life with passion and enthusiasm, enjoying swimming, gardening, and skiing at Sugarloaf. She cherished time spent boating at her camp on Sheep Island and especially loved her dogs, Maui, Mojo, and Cosmo.

Ann will be remembered as a determined and passionate woman who gave her all to everything she pursued. Her strength, warmth, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held on June 20, 2026, 11 AM at the Bridgton Alliance Church in Bridgton, Maine.