Ruth Rossini
Ruth Rossini, an advocate for the elderly, passed away September 27. The longtime Rye resident was 81.
Born in the Bronx on January 3, 1932 she was the daughter of Michael Torosian and Elizabeth Googashian. She attended Columbus High School in the Bronx.
On February 25, 1950, she married John. R. Rossini.
Mrs. Rossini worked for many years as a social worker, particularly on issues for the elderly. She was the director of several New York City-based senior citizen centers, and a member of the New York City Council for the Aged. She was known and respected by her peers for her tenacity and ability to push through programs that benefited seniors.
She was a gourmet cook, an avid reader, and a fan of opera and ballet. A longtime member of Rye Presbyterian Church, her faith was her foundation and source of energy. She held no grudges or anger towards anyone. She would always say that her prayer was for each person to “know they are forgiven, that they are loved, and that one day they will heal.”
After she retired, she enjoyed long walks around Rye, where she lived for 40 years. She was known as “the walking lady” to many residents, friends and strangers alike, to whom she said hello and wished a good day. She was profiled in The Rye Record in September 2010.
In addition to her husband John, she is survived by her two sons, John and Mark; a grandson, Dagan; and her siblings: Rev. Tom Torosian, Peggy DiFrisco, Gloria Schwickrath, and Betty Gutierrez.
A funeral service was held at Graham Funeral Home October 3.
Suzanne Whaling
Suzanne “Suzy” Kelly Whaling, born on September 9, 1940, died on September 27 after a hard-fought and courageous battle with depression. She was 73.
She was a rare woman, a vibrant wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose limitless enthusiasm, infinite energy, and genuine interest in others was a truly extraordinary gift to all who knew her. She was engaged in anything and everything that mattered to everyone she loved. She made every single person she knew – whether for a few minutes or for a lifetime – feel like they mattered. For Suzy, they genuinely did, as she sincerely wanted happiness and good fortune for all in her orbit.
The ultimate fan and supporter, she never missed a chance to cheer on her children, and later her grandchildren. She created homes that were the active center of her children’s and their friends’ lives. Her door was always opened, her refrigerator always stocked, and there always was room for another to join the dinner table.
Her family said, “Suzy was fun, deeply loyal, and always positive. She was competitive and relentlessly curious. She was a knockout, both inside and out. Most important of all, Suzy had fierce and boundless love for her family and many friends. It was matched only by theirs for her.”
In addition to her husband of 47 years, Tony Whaling, she is survived by her children Collins (Sam) Baker, Sally, and Mark (Carolyn) Whaling; her five grandchildren: Will and Jake Baker, and Caden, Lilly, and Beau Whaling; and her beloved Reilly. She was pre-deceased by her son Tyler.
In honor of her life, donations may be made to the Tyler Whaling Colgate University Scholarship Fund.
“She will make the face of heaven shine so fine that all the world will be in love with night.” — William Shakespeare
Cornelia Jean Owens
Cornelia Jean Owens, a former Rye resident, passed away at her home in Wallingford, Connecticut, on September 7, surrounded by her loving family. She was 57.
Born on December 2, 1955 in New Rochelle, she was the loving daughter of Richard W. and the late Evelyn Ford Owens of Rye. Connie, as she was known, attended School of the Sacred Heart and Rye High School, graduating with the RHS Class of 1973.
Over the years, she worked at Dataproducts New England, where she met her husband, as well as Avidia, Inc., VBrick, Inc. and Discover Video. But her full-time career was dedicated to raising her daughter and taking care of her family.
“Connie had an infectious smile and playful spirit, that everyone who knew her loved,” said her family. “She will be deeply missed by all of those whose lives she touched.”
In addition to her loving husband of 30 years, Richard Mayrogeanes, she is survived by her daughter Acacia; her father, Richard W. Owens and his wife June Mahoney Owens; her sisters Linda Owens Clark and Madeleine Weinreich; and her brother, Richard W. Owens III. She was predeceased by her sister, Evelyn T. Owens.
Internment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ray of Light Farm, 232 Town Street, East Haddam, CT 06423, or online at www.rayoflightfarm.org.
