Evelyn Adeline Torres Russo, 85, of Elk Grove, California, passed peacefully at home, into the
loving arms of her Savior, on July 28, 2023.
Evelyn, who was best known to her family and friends as Evey, was born on September 18, 1937 to
Joseph Rinaldo and Ruth Russo in Syracuse, New York. She lived a life that can only be described as
one of unconditional love for her family and endless service to others.
Evey was a devoted mother to three boys, John, Victor, and James, and loving wife to her late
husband, Jerry. In addition to being a committed mother and wife, Evey also dedicated herself to
educating others. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree she began a career in Elementary Education
and spent many years blessing the lives of young children, her most beloved group being English
language learners. She later opened the Spanish Language Institute of Carmel-by-the-Sea where she
offered private lessons to people of all ages.
Successful entrepreneurship that allowed her to offer such an enriching service was a life goal of
Evey’s, so the contributions she made to the lives of others through this endeavor brought her an
immense amount of pride and fulfillment. Additionally, Evey’s passion for both education and
community service led her to devote countless hours of faithful volunteer work to the American Red
Cross, assisting with both disaster relief and CPR training.
Evey also earned her Master’s Degree in Spanish from California State University, Sacramento in
2005, at the age of 67, walking the stage on the same day that her granddaughter, Natalie, earned
her Bachelor’s Degree from the same University. It was a day of not only incredible achievement for
the two of them, but treasured memory-making for the whole family.
After retiring from Education, Evey lived out the rest of her years enjoying family life as an
adored and admired wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Although she
was no longer employed by a school district, Evey continued to teach Spanish out of her home to a
few special students, including some of her great-grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to
share her gifts with others nor remind her loved ones of what is truly important in life - faith
and family.
Evey was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and four siblings - Robert, Joseph, Santa, and
Stella. She is survived by her sons, two daughters-in-law - Lezlie and Jean, two siblings - Adeline
and Charles, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, all of whom she left with a legacy of
love.
Although Evey will always be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing this is not a final goodbye.
Instead, we’ll just echo her trademark phrases, until the Heavenly Father brings us together again:
“Toodaloo! I love you more than all the stars in the sky!”
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
9:00 - 10:00 am (Pacific time)
East Lawn Elk Grove
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Starts at 10:00 am (Pacific time)
East Lawn Elk Grove
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