Vida Vivian Ruscigno, 90, passed away peacefully Jan. 20, 2019.
Vi, youngest child of John Henry and Ella J. Williams, was born March 9, 1928 in Kansas but was raised in S.E. Portland with her four brothers and sister. She attended Franklin High School, graduating in 1946. After graduation, Vi worked for Ma Bell telephone company.
Vi married Michael J. Ruscigno Nov. 3, 1950. They had two daughters and were best friends for 64 years. Mike passed in 2014.
Vi's older brothers taught her to ride a bike, swim, fish, and ski on Mt. Hood. She and Mike were keen golfers, clam diggers, fisherfolk and gardeners. They enjoyed traveling within the U.S. and to Europe, S.E. Asia and New Zealand.
Vi was an avid reader and a skilled painter, seamstress and upholsterer. She appreciated the natural world, books, a good bargain and a glass of wine. She will be remembered for her kindness and her quiet influence on those she touched.
Vi is survived by her daughters, Michele (Roy), Madras, Ore., and Susan (Billy) Kaikoura, New Zealand; grandson, Brandon (Grace) Seattle; two great-grandsons; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Vi's service will be held in the spring.