Geri Russo

Geri Russo 83 died peacefully on April 1, 2010 after a long battle with cancer. Geri was born in Monte Vista, CO and spent her childhood in Costilla, NM where her family tree had roots dating back to early Spanish settlers in the New Mexico area. Her family moved to Monte Vista where she graduated and later married Curtis Cornelius and had two children. For several years her family lived in central California in the King City area returning to Monte Vista in 1959 where she worked for the Dept. of Agriculture and Adam State College. In the late 60 s she moved to Vista, California where she worked for Palomar College and as an independent caregiver. She was predeceased by three husbands. Earlier this year she moved to Virginia to live with her daughter and son-in-law. As a girl she with her two sisters played the accordion as a three-piece combo dressed in Spanish costumes and in later years she played the organ in her home. Her rich Spanish heritage and western influence could be seen in her art work, d cor and cooking. Geri s artistic talents included drawings, pressed flowers, and needlework. Her artistry was best demonstrated in her inlaid wood pictures. Geri had a spirit of adventure, loved travel and family gatherings. Most of all she loved dancing and was a member of Vista Elks, Tailfeathers, Vista Women s Club and Catholic Widow and Widowers in the Vista and Oceanside area. She is survived by her son Sonney Cornelius Connie of Valley Center and daughter Diane Ellis Buddy of VA Beach, VA. She is also survived by one sister Marian Ambrose Ron of Morehead City, NC and her brother James Meyer Linda of Bastrop, TX. She is also survived by eight Russo step-children and many nieces and nephews. A private memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Sentara Hospice. Cardinals at Her Window It is with heavy hearts that we gather to memorialize the passing of my mother 'Geri'. While in California last fall I spent what I thought to be quality time with Mom as we tackled washing curtains, cleaning the patio, and finishing craft projects. Those tasks proved to be important work as we later prepared and packed for her move to VA. Even if for just a little while she was distracted from her disease and focused on moving into the next chapter of her life. Through it all, she never lost her playfulness and ability to have a good laugh or spirit of adventure. She would wake up and say what s on the agenda today - she knew there would always be an agenda. It was sad for her to leave her home, friends and familiar surroundings. A tear came to her eye as we flew over Mission Bay and lost sight of Southern California from the plane. She was brave and strong even though she knew this was her final chapter. Mom loved to go .so as much as possible we went to the movies, to dinner and took drives. She took up beading, continued to crochet and pressed winter flowers and would wake up to say what s on the agenda today we made sure there was an agenda. Until one day she could no longer fix her wig or hold her coffee cup, it was then that I knew no matter how much she wanted to see the Cardinals at her window and spring in full bloom, no matter how much she wanted to spend her 84th birthday with family, no matter how much she wanted to live, her body was failing her and her spiritual journey was to begin. These last few months made it possible for us to enjoy special moments that would have otherwise been missed and to express our love for one another. We took time to reacquaint ourselves with little stories from years that had past but mostly she chose to stay in the moment. I would not trade spending this time with my mother for anything in this world. With each death, we are reborn with a new appreciation for the simple things in life and how important friends and family are who help us through tough times. Our lives are but a speck of sand passing through a huge hour glass of time - if not for the people around us it would all become insignificant. I am thankful that Sonny and Connie were there to help Mother all these years and grateful for the kindness of her caregivers, friends and neighbors. Bud and I are especially blessed with friends who without a second thought extended their help to us these past months. I am thankful that mother's struggle is over but I miss her in my life. Mother is at peace now and lifted from all of life s burdens and I am thankful she lived a full life. She is here with us in spirit and in our hearts.