Evelyn Torres Russo

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!”