Elena Rucci

Elena Sawyer Rucci was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 21, 1927. She passed away November 2, 2016 surrounded by her loving family, with grace and dignity. She is now with the angels, and they are lucky to have her. She is the best person we will ever know.

Elena grew up in Spain, France and Mexico City. She was educated in French schools and graduated from Milwaukee Downer College with a B.A. in Languages, fluent in French, Spanish and English. She became a professional interpreter and a translator for pharmaceutical packaging. Yet her first love then was dance; she was a very active member of “Ballet Carroll” anddanced in some 25 Mexican films.

Elena met her husband Paul while he attended medical school at Marquette University. They married in 1954 and embarked on a nomadic and exciting life in the U.S. Navy, moving many times in 31 years. They had four sons, Peter, Bob, Tom and John whom she all adored. She was always there

for them, becoming room mother, den mother, band mother , athletic booster and fund raiser. She still made time to work thousands of hours with the Navy Officers Wives Clubs, Navy Relief and was Chairman of Volunteers in San Diego. She cherished her friends and enjoyed playing golf; very proud of her 3 holes in one. She was a past President of the Coronado Women’s Golf Club and a long- time member of Sea & Air Women’s Golf. Elena loved to cook, garden and landscape, and go to the beach; she traveled extensively, a passion of hers, saying “her bags were always packed”.

Her greatest passion, joy and love was her family. Elena was the most dedicated, caring and loving wife, mother and grandma. She was deeply devoted to her husband of 62 years, her four boys and her precious grandchildren Erica, Dana, Mackenna, Hayley, Sam and Georgette. She was thrilled to be a great-grandmother to Leo. She was always an active participant and mentor in the lives of her family, never missing a performance or sporting event.

Elena lived a great and full life; she had no regrets and left us all with the most wonderful memories of the most loving, caring, kind and selfless lady. Her family meant the world to her, and she meant the world to all of us. We were indeed blessed to share our lives with her. She is now, and will be forever, missed by all. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations be made to the USO, Navy Relief and Humane Society.

Elena’s husband, Paul and family extend their sincere gratitude and respect to the amazing and caring staff at Naval Medical Center San Diego, Interim Healthcare/ Hospice San Diego and Aall Care.

Services will be private.