Kaete Johanna (Jahn) Rubelmann of Branford died on Nov. 10, 2024, at her home, surrounded by family. Kaete was born on June 2, 1931, in Markneukirchen, Germany, the daughter of the late Karl and Hilda Adler Jahn.

In 1955, she met the love of her life, the late Frederick W. Rubelmann Jr., moved to the U.S., and they married in 1956. Theirs was a love story for the ages, grounded in faith. Kaete’s loving family includes the late Frederick “Rick” (Mary) Rubelmann III of Plantsville, Karen (Steve) Kilby of Centerbrook, Joanne (John) Litevich of Greer, South Carolina, Kurt (Lisa) Rubelmann of Branford, Margaret (Adam) Kuhn of Old Lyme, and Nancy (Andy) Gere of Santa Cruz, California; as well as 20 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly and who all enjoyed her wonderful hospitality. Kaete is also survived by her sister Renate (Lenz) Renner of Neu Ulm, Germany; her sisters-in-law, Margot Jahn of Calgary, Alberta; Lois Swatt of Shelton; and Janet Rubelmann of Tucson, Arizona. She is predeceased by her sister, Hildegard Jahn, and brother, Juergen Jahn.

Kaete worked for the State of Connecticut, retiring from SCSU, where she worked as a senior clerk. In retirement, Kaete and Fred made St. Augustine, Florida, their second home which became the family’s “Florida B&B” and home away from home. They fully enjoyed traveling whenever they could, with trips to Germany, Canada, Hawaii, the Cape, many cruises, and their annual visit to their daughter and family in Santa Cruz.

Kaete was a long-time communicant of St. Mary Church and was involved in Bible study and bereavement groups, sharing the loss of her son Rick and husband Fred to help others heal. Above all else, she was a mother in the truest sense of the word. A steadfast source of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love, she poured her heart into raising her six children. She and Fred taught them the values of faith, kindness, hard work, and generosity. Kaete’s gentle, nurturing spirit and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. The family would like to thank her very faithful caregivers from American European Senior Home Care, who loved her like their own mother, as well as the care team from CT Hospice Homecare.

A wake was held on Nov. 22 at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. A Mass of Christian burial took place on Nov. 23 at St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church, 731 Main Street, Branford. A reception followed in the church hall. Burial was in Mount St. Peters Cemetery, Derby. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either Community Dining Room, Branford, or St. John Bosco Parish.