Darlene Curtis Ruskin's Obituary
Darlene Curtis Ruskin, formerly of Decatur, passed away on October 1, 2012 in Cathedral City, California after a long and brave battle with illness.
Darlene was born May 17, 1941 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Leon and Sadie Fraser, and was a Pearl Harbor survivor. In 1967 she married Eugene Ruskin, and the couple eventually settled in Decatur. The welcomed their son Jonathan in 1977. Throughout her life, Darlene was a tireless and enthusiastic volunteer for many causes that were close to her heart, in particular the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. She was known by all as a woman with a warm smile as well as genuine kindness and compassion for all who crossed her path. She counted among her many friends the congregation at Temple B’nai Abraham – where she tirelessly gave of her time and talents as Temple Secretary and later as Sunday School librarian. Her life centered around her Temple and her faith, and she served as a member of the Sisterhood and Hadassah for many years.
For 20 years Darlene worked for the Decatur Public Library forming lasting friendships with her co-workers and library patrons.
She was always on hand to help anyone in need with an open smile and an outstretched hand. Whether they needed a good book, a hot meal, a ride to an appointment or just a comforting hand to hold, Darlene would be there in a heartbeat.
After a stroke in 2006, Darlene realized her long-held dream of relocating to Southern California, and for several years she made her home in Salton City, California where she became a much-loved member of her adopted community. She lived her final years under the care of the Golden Heart Home Care in Cathedral City, where she was cherished and will be missed by her caregivers and fellow residents.
She is survived by her son Jonathan Ruskin of Palm Springs, CA, sisters Bonnie Leviss of Fairfield, Connecticut and Jan Fraser Coles of Bermuda, as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Darlene was preceeded in death by her beloved husband Eugene and her parents Leon and Sadie Fraser and her great nephew Maxie Leviss.
A Graveside service to celebrate Darlens's life will be at 10:30 AM Sunday, October 7, 2012 in Fairlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure or CurePSP.org.
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