Suzanne R. Ruffalo was born on February 1, 1949, the daughter of the late Robert T. and Margaret "Marge" (Hujik) Ruffalo.  She was a graduate of  St. Joseph High School in 1967.

She lived in Los Angeles from 1970 to 1985. She married George Gaffney in 1978 in Los Angeles.  They later divorced.

She worked as a Playboy Bunny from 1967 until 1970 at the Lake Geneva Playboy Club.  She was a music copyist, separating a score of music into individual instrumental parts.  She freelanced in Los Angeles from 1970 to 1985 for the likes of Michael Jackson, Steven Spielberg, Cher, B. B. King and Neil Diamond.  She was a member of the American Federation of Musicians Union No. 47.  After her return to Kenosha, she freelanced for Hal Leonard Publishing Company since 1984.

She was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Alexandra Gaffney of Kenosha; a brother, Robert Ruffalo of Milwaukee; a sister, Kathleen (Les) Martin of Kenosha; and two grandchildren. Her former husband preceded her in death.

Sue died on September 9, 2004 at her sister's home after a long battle with cancer.

When I leave you, don't weep for me.
Pass the wine around and remember
How my laughing pleased you.
Look at one another, smiling,
And don't forget about touching.
Sing the songs that I loved best
And dance one time all together.
As for me, I'll be off,
Running somewhere on the beach,
and I'll fly to the top of the tree
I always meant to climb.
When you're ready, I'll be there -
Waiting for you.
Take your time.