LaVerne C. (Santillo) Barrasso, of Ware, formerly of Walpole and Franklin, passed away on Saturday, January 21st at her daughter’s home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 74.
Born in Harrisburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late George and Clara (Pasquarello) Santillo and attended local schools. A homemaker, LaVerne loved and cared for her family with dedication and pride. Her children and grandchildren were most important to her. She was particularly delighted about the birth of her first great grandchild just over 2 years ago.
In her spare time, LaVerne enjoyed going to Twin River Casino to play the slots, specifically “More Hearts” and “The Lions”! She also liked tending to the flower garden her late husband planted for her. LaVerne had many types of flowers in her garden, though her favorite was always roses. She was a morning person and enjoyed cooking. Often she would wake up early to start preparing meals for herself and the family, so that the rest of her day was free…for adventures! LaVerne would always nap during the day and her family remembers that everyone knew not to call her around 1 PM.
As her children grew and started families of their own, LaVerne always kept close relationships with her family. For years, she and her daughters had a regularly scheduled Girl’s Night. One particular memory LaVerne’s daughter’s share is the night in the car when LaVerne said, “Girls, are we alone?”
In recent months, LaVerne carried a blue purse. It became an inside joke within the family as LaVerne would ask anyone that came into the room, “Where is my blue purse?” As time went on, LaVerne suggested that anyone that came to visit her have their picture taken with the blue purse!
Most importantly, LaVerne was a kind and selfless woman that loved people. Everyone who met her loved her. LaVerne’s vibrant personality, kindness and generosity will continue to live on through her family.
LaVerne was the beloved wife of the late Carmen Barrasso, who passed away in 2016. She was the devoted mother of John Ruane, Scott Ruane and his wife Pam, all of Haverhill, Daniel Ruane and his wife Marissa of WV, Amy Lyons of Haverhill, Kim Ruane of Medford, Kelly Neville and her husband Charles of Franklin, Peter Barrasso and his wife Rachael of Bellingham. She was preceded in death by her daughter Gina Maria Barrasso. She was the loving grandmother of eighteen and the loving great grandmother of Giovanni. The dear sister of Donny and Ann, she was preceded in death by her sisters Carmel and Mimi. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, on Thursday, January 26th. A funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home at 10AM preceded by a final viewing hour beginning at 9AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday from 4 through 8 PM. Services will conclude with interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.