Obituary of Maria Ruffino

Maria Ruffino (nee Russo) passed away at Eger Nursing Home on January 13, 2021. Maria was born in Carini, Palermo, Italy on February 27, 1925. She was the daughter of Veronica Nicastri and Angelo Russo. While in Carini, Maria worked as an embroiderer. She was so well known for her precision and fine work. Prospective brides would contact her well in advance of their weddings to design and embroider their trousseaus. Maria also loved to crochet. Many babies in the family had a blanket or a bib waiting upon their birth. She also made doilies, tablecloths and potholders for many a bride. Maria married Giuseppe Ruffino in 1967. They remained married until his death in 1993. Maria had no children of her own. When she married Giuseppe she became stepmother to eight of Giuseppe's children. She was especially close to Anna and her husband Lino and spoke with them daily. She considered Anna her "daughter." She was also extremely attached to Anna's family. She loved Rob and his wife Susan, Liana and her husband Steve and Janine as her own. She adored their children Isabella, Steve, Vivienne and Leonardo. She asked about their daily activities and wanted pictures of them constantly. When Maria came to the United States she worked in a clothing factory. She worked as a garment finisher. Maria was a devout parishioner of Holy Name of Jesus Church in Brooklyn, New York. Maria was also close to her niece Veronica DiLisi with whom she spoke daily. Maria was stepmother to Antonina and Al Trotta, Sue and George Apap, Josephine Marchiano, & Sal Ruffino and Linda Ruffino. She had many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her siblings Rosa Sansone, Giuseppe Russo, and Suor Mansueta Russo. She was also preceded in death by other family members, Philip Ruffino, Joseph Mannino, Marie Mannino, Francesco Marchiano, John Ruffino and Olinda Ruffino. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Friday departing at 9:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus RC Church, 245 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, New York 11215 at 10 am. Entombment to follow in Green Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York. Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Due to Covid, all visitors must wear masks, practice social distancing, and be mindful that a small wait to visit might exist due to capacity limitations.