Beloved NY1 journalist Ruschell Boone was laid to rest in an emotional service Tuesday, remembered by loved ones as a “superhero” and someone who “always blazed a trail.”
Dignitaries including New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Attorney General Letitia James attended the ceremony in Brooklyn for the award-winning host and mother of two, who lost her courageous battle with breast cancer. pancreas earlier this month at age 48.
Todd, Boone’s husband of 18 years, and their sons Jackson, 12, and Carter, 9, sat in front of the Brooklyn Christian Cultural Center, sporting large purple buttons with a picture of Boone on their jackets.
While praising his late wife, Todd spoke of her ability to help others, know right from wrong, and push people to “be the best.”
“I’m sorry she’s not here to witness all of this in her physical form, but she’s still here,” he said. “She was happy… she was strong.”
Ruschell Boone was remembered during a service held in Brooklyn. He died after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer at age 48. Credit: Tamara Beckwith/NY POST
He added: “She knew she was loved, she loved everyone and we are all happy to have known her. “I am the lucky one to have met her.”
At times, Todd could be seen wiping tears from his eyes while his youngest son rested his head on his shoulder.
Her sons Carter and Jackson thanked the hundreds of attendees for coming to honor their mother, who the older brother said was “very special to all of us.”
Boone’s funeral was held inside the Brooklyn Christian Cultural Center. Pablo Martinka
Meanwhile, Boone’s show said that “she crystallized her dreams that date back to her humble beginnings in Kingston. [Jamaica] and left an indelible mark on this world.
“Ruschell always blazed a trail and made the transition deeply grateful for the journey.”
Two portraits of Boone, who died Sept. 3, were placed on easels on either side of his open white casket inside the packed venue.
The journalist looked calm, dressed in white and wearing a pearl necklace, with a cloth spread across her lap in the colors of the Jamaican flag.
Boone leaves behind her husband of 18 years, Todd, and their two children, Jackson and Carter. Pablo Martinka
The screens displayed images capturing Boone’s life, highlighting the beloved mother of two through the years with colleagues, friends and family. A video of Boone happily singing and dancing was also played.
Boone left behind two younger brothers, Alva Thompson and Durand Scott, who said their sister was their biggest cheerleader and was always there to take care of them.
“I always love my sister. I always hold her near and dear to my heart. Less than two years ago when my mother died, my heart broke in two but today my heart is completely shattered and in pieces. But no matter what happens in life, I will always love my sister,” Thompson said.
Flowers surrounded Boone’s casket as friends and loved ones paid tribute to the beloved journalist. Pablo Martinka
Boone was remembered as someone who “always blazed a trail.” Pablo Martinka
Scott said: “Not only is he the most incredible person in my life, but he is my superhero. “That’s the one person you never want to leave.”
James, Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and City Council President Adrienne Adams also spoke during the service.
NY1, where Boone worked as a reporter and news anchor for more than two decades, hailed her as a “dedicated and principled journalist to the end.”
Boone was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021 when agonizing stomach pains landed her in the emergency room.
Boone was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021. @ruschellboone/Instagram
“I started crying, crying and looking at my husband, thinking I had heard him wrong,” she had told The Post at the time.
“I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’m dead… My kids are going to grow up without a mother,’” she added.
In June 2022, she stepped away from her hosting responsibilities to undergo chemotherapy before returning in March of this year, telling viewers of her midday newscast that while the chemotherapy was “so brutal,” she had returned to “feeling great.”
Todd Boone, his sons Jackson and Carter, and other family members say goodbye to Ruschell Boone.Paul Martinka
His first interview on NY1 was with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Who tweeted that? “Our city is very fortunate to have @RuschellBoone back where he belongs: behind the anchor desk and holding all of us in positions of power accountable.”
However, just four months after being declared cancer-free, Boone revealed on social media that her battle with cancer had worsened.
“I am very touched by everyone who stopped by to see how I am doing. Unfortunately, my cancer has metastasized to my liver and I am back in treatment. It’s hard, but the chemo is working,” she wrote.
Boone revealed on social media that her cancer had returned, just four months after she was declared cancer-free. @ruschellboone/Instagram
The veteran journalist was promoted to anchor in 2021. @ruschellboone/Instagram
“Prayers have helped me get through difficult times. Thanks for your support”.
After her diagnosis, the journalist became an advocate in the battle against the disease, the type of cancer with the lowest survival rate.
“Ruschell’s legacy will be defined by that outstanding journalism and, most of all, his remarkable ability to connect,” NY1’s memo to staff said.
“Ruschell was effervescent in every sense of the word. She was, simply put, a pleasure to be around. It was those traits that allowed her to interact deeply with New Yorkers, as well as behind the scenes with his colleagues.
Boone worked as a reporter and anchor at NY1 for more than two decades. Credit: Tamara Beckwith/NY POST
“Ruschell will always be remembered for her service to the people of New York, especially her beloved boroughs of Queens and the Bronx. “We won’t be the same without her.”
Boone will be buried next to her mother, who died two years ago, in the Bronx.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn