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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 made a way.”
Dignitaries including New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Attorney General Letitia James attended the ceremony in Brooklyn for the award-winning anchor and mom of two, who lost her brave battle against pancreatic cancer earlier this month at age 48.
Boone’s husband of 18 years, Todd, and sons Jackson, 12, and Carter, 9, sat in the front of Brooklyn’s Christian Cultural Center, wearing big purple buttons featuring a picture of Boone on their jackets.
While eulogizing his late wife, Todd spoke of her ability to help others, see right from wrong, and push people to “be the best.”
“I’m sorry that, you know, 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.”
He added: “She knew she was loved, and she loved everyone and we are all happy to have known her. I’m the lucky one to have known 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 in attendance for coming to honor their mom, whom the older brother noted was “very special to all of us.”
Meanwhile, Boone’s program said “she crystallized her dreams dating back to her humble beginnings in Kingston [Jamaica] and left an indelible mark in this world.
“Ruschell always made a way and she transitioned deeply grateful for the journey.”
Two portraits of Boone, who died on Sept. 3, sat on easels on either side of her white, open casket inside the packed venue.
The newswoman looked peaceful, wearing white and a pearl necklace, with a cloth spread across her lap featuring the colors of the Jamaican flag.
Screens displayed images capturing Boone’s life — highlighting the adored mom of two through the years with colleagues, friends, and family. A video of Boone gleefully 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 look after them.
“I always love my sister. I always have her near and dear to my heart. Less than two years ago when my mother died, my heart was broken into two but today my heart is completely shattered and pieces. But no matter what happens in life I will always and forever love my sister,” Thompson said.
Scott said: “Not only is she the most incredible person in my life, she’s my superhero. That’s the one person you never want to see go.”
James, Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and City Council speaker Adrienne Adams also spoke during the service.
NY1, where Boone worked as a reporter and news anchor for over two decades, hailed her as a “dedicated and principled journalist to the very end.”
Boone was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021 when agonizing stomach pains landed her in the emergency room.
“I just started wailing, crying and looking at my husband, thinking I heard it incorrectly,” 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 responsibilities at the anchor desk to receive chemotherapy before returning in March of this year, telling viewers of her noon newscast that while the chemo was “so brutal” she was back to “feeling great.”
Her first interview back on NY1 was with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who tweeted that “our city is so lucky to have @RuschellBoone back where she belongs — behind the anchor desk and holding all of us in positions of power to account.”
However, just four months after she was declared cancer-free, Boone disclosed on social media that her battle with cancer had taken a turn for the worse.
“I’m very touched by all who reached out to see how I’m doing. Unfortunately, my cancer has metastasized in my liver and I’m back in treatment. It’s rough, but the chemo is working,” she wrote.
“Prayers have carried me through the difficult moments. Thank u for rooting for me.”
Following her diagnosis, the newswoman 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, more than anything, her remarkable ability to connect,” NY1’s memo to staff said.
“Ruschell was effervescent in every sense of the word. She was, simply put, a joy to be around. It was those traits that allowed her to deeply engage with New Yorkers, as well as behind the scenes with her colleagues.
“Ruschell will always be remembered for her service to the people of New York, especially her beloved boroughs of Queens and the Bronx. We will not be the same without her.”
Boone will be laid to rest beside her mother, who died two years ago, in the Bronx.
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