Eileen Betty Dobner Ruffo

.Norwich-Eileen Betty Ruffo, age 80, of Norwich passed away on October 10, 2014 at William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. She was born on June 3, 1934 in London, England to the late William and Elizabeth Dobner. Eileen was six years old when she and her family endured the WW II bombings by Germany. At age twenty-two, she married her loving husband, Daniel Michael Ruffo, on August 18, 1956 in London. They moved to Norwich in 1957 where they lived and raised their family. Eileen was very proud of her four sons, and loved showing them off when she took them to visit England.

Eileen was a devoted wife to Danny for forty-nine years, and his passing in 2006 was devastating for her. She was proud of her English heritage and maintained her citizenship to the UK. She had always been nostalgic for her homeland and eventually relocated to London after Danny’s passing. But, Eileen, missing her sons and the rest of her family, returned to Norwich to stay a short time later.

Eileen was an accomplished seamstress and knitter making clothes for herself and her family. She was an avid reader choosing many novels related to the Victorian era she loved so much. She had a passion for roses and carefully tended the rose bushes planted around her home. One of her favorite activities was to go for walks both by herself and with her cherished Yorkshire Terriers, Marco and Polo. Eileen was a devoted mother and waited until the youngest of her sons was grown before choosing to join the workforce as an employee of the Convalescent Center of Norwich where she made many new friends.

Eileen was adored by everyone who met her, and people loved the fact she still had an English accent. She was very respectful of everyone, but always defended her family.

Eileen is survived by a son Daniel Ruffo and his wife Cherie of Norwich, a son Mark Ruffo and his wife Mary Jane of Griswold, a son Anthony Ruffo and his wife Julia of Norwich, and a son Darren Ruffo and his wife Kelly of Preston, a brother William Dobner and his wife Joyce of London, a brother Ronnie Dobner and his wife Valerie of London, a sister Joan Martin of London and a brother-in-law Alf Wickes of London. She also leaves behind grandchildren Jason Ruffo and his wife Rebecca of Florida, Anthony Ruffo and his wife Danielle of New Hampshire, Matthew Ruffo of Norwich, Kristina Ruffo of Rhode Island and great grandchildren Chase, Brooke, and Hudson Ruffo. She is predeceased by a granddaughter Jacquelyn Vars, a sister Rose Wickes, and daughter-in-law Terri Ruffo.

The Ruffo family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Backus Hospital and Hartford Hospital for all their consideration and warmth while providing medical care for Eileen during this difficult time.

A memorial service to celebrate Eileen’s life will be held on Saturday, October 18th at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the donor’s favorite charity in Eileen’s honor. Please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com to leave an online condolence for the Ruffo family.