Elizabeth Ann Fiorino Ruff

Elizabeth Ann Fiorino Ruff, aka "Dede" and "E", joined her beloved husband, Paul, on April 4, 2024. She led a beautiful life filled with faith, family, and innumerable friends. 

She was born on February 22, 1942, to Dr. John F Fiorino and Genevieve McElroy Fiorino. Her twin sisters rapidly named her Dede (because they couldn't say baby), and that name stuck throughout her life. Early life was filled with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, learning to play piano, violin, and organ, various sports, and Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. 

Elizabeth continued her Sacred Heart education at the University of San Diego, and her interest in government and political science flourished. While at USD, she met a young naval officer, Paul Gray Ruff III, and her life would never be the same. Upon graduation, she moved to Washington, DC, and matriculated as one of the first women to attend Georgetown University as a graduate student, earning her Master's in Political Science.

Shortly after graduation, Elizabeth married Lt. Paul G Ruff III. The following year, they welcomed the first of three children, Paul Gray Ruff IV. Early married life took them to various duty posts, including Carmel, CA, Everett, WA, and Norfolk, VA. Patrick was born two years after Paul and Mary Ellen three years later. The Ruff family settled in Alexandria, Virginia, where they would stay for the remainder of their lives.

While her children were growing up, Elizabeth was always involved in their education at Ascension Academy, Gonzaga College High School, and Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. Blessed Sacrament parish provided a faith foundation where she played the organ and volunteered in various ministries. At Army Navy Country Club, Elizabeth became a force on the tennis court and at the scorer's table for swim meets.

Elizabeth’s later life was filled with Army Navy team tennis, Red Hill Garden Club, and volunteering at the White House, where she served under five administrations. Her capacity and energy for service were infectious as was the joy she brought to every undertaking. 

Elizabeth is survived by her three children, Dr. Paul G Ruff IV (Jill Ruff), Patrick Ruff (Kerry Ann Ruff), and Dr. Mary Ellen Ruff; five grandchildren, Lauren, Allison, Paul G Ruff V (PG), Mathew, and Michael, her sisters, Martha Fiorino Dowell and Mary Fiorino Orradre, and their families. Her legacy of faith, family, and welcoming will continue through the example she set and the lives she touched.

Funeral arrangements are forthcoming and will be coordinated at the time of internment at Arlington National Cemetery.

Donations in Elizabeth’s memory would be appreciated to the Society of the Sacred Heart at https://rscj.org/donate

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