Mrs. Doris Saleta Rusciano's Obituary
The morning of Christmas Eve 2019 marked the passing at age 93, of Doris Rusciano, one of the most dedicated Christian Southern Baptists, loyal wife to her husband John Joseph, devoted Mother to her sons Jon Jay and Charles Dan, loving grandmother to Jon Jared, Kyle Joseph and Alexander Robert, and adoring great-grandmother to Liam Mateo. She also dearly loved her daughters-in-law, Peggy Ann, Carol Huddleston and Cathryn Rose, and granddaughter-in-law Lorena Laura. Doris was orphaned early in life when her young 38 years old father died unexpectedly, being raised and nurtured by the staff at Buckner Orphan’s Home in Dallas, Texas. She attended Howard Payne University, in 1947 attaining Teaching credentials upon graduation. She met and later married John in 1948, returning this once Catholic bad-boy to the “straight and narrow” path. After raising her sons at home to school age, she started her Teaching career, assisting hundreds of first graders into the enlightenment of reading. During many years as a first grade Teacher, and raising her family, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Reading Diagnostics from University of Houston in 1969, and a second Master’s Degree in Education Administration in 1976. She then became an Elementary School Principal, serving at Kruse Elementary and Jessup Elementary within the Pasadena School District. Doris retired with her husband John, and they traveled the nation towing a “fifth wheel” trailer to major parks and places of interest. After husband John’s passing in 2006, she actively participated in the senior programs of her favorite church, South Main Baptist. She traveled with Buckner’s missionary group to Russia, then Africa on two occasions. Remaining in service to others became her passion. She was awarded the “Distinguished Alumnus of 1994" by the Buckner Alumni, an accolade she greatly cherished.
If choosing one word to describe this powerhouse of a human being, the word would be “determined.” Her means were often meek, but the intense determination in her soul overcame the obstacles in her path. She was, and remains an inspiration to everyone who knew her well. And, her devotion to her creator was unparalleled. Rest with the Lord, our Mother.
What’s your fondest memory of Doris?
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Share a story where Doris' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Doris you’ll never forget.
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