Frances Ilene Pitruzzello

December 13, 1932

- March 13, 2024

Frances Ilene Pitruzzello, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in San Marcos, California, with her loving family by her side. She was born in Long Beach, California to Alexander John and Carrie Eugenia Brockie.

She spent her early childhood in Glen Avon, where her father raised chickens, before moving to the Wood Streets in Riverside and working after school at Mccall’s, her parents’ poultry market downtown.

Ilene, as she was affectionately known, attended Central Middle School and Poly High School when she met Joseph Pitruzzello, the love of her life. Their love story blossomed when Joe invited her to a college dance, leading to a whirlwind romance. They were married on December 26, 1951, at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Riverside, followed by a joyous reception at the Victoria Club. They began their marriage by heading off to Fort Riley, Kansas, where Joe was stationed, and eventually to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where they welcomed their first of five children.

After four years in the service, Joe and Ilene moved back to Riverside to raise their growing family. Together, they created a home that became a gathering place for all the neighborhood kids and where they often hosted friends and their many relatives for delicious meals year round. Ilene was happiest surrounded by her family. She was the epitome of a loving, caring, and nurturing mother, ever present in her children’s lives and serving as room mother, den mother, President of the PTA, and attending all her children’s and grandchildren’s sports and activities over the years. Despite her busy schedule, she remained active in organizations such as Junior League, Assistance League, National Charity League, and The Opera Guild.

A woman of many talents and passions, Ilene was a voracious reader, an avid snow skier, and an accomplished tennis player. She enjoyed family ski trips to Mammoth and Aspen, as well as skiing adventures all over Europe with Joe, including attending the Innsbruck 1976 Olympic Winter Games in Austria, after which Ilene earned the nickname of The Red Streak for her skill and speed on the slopes.

After raising her five children, Ilene pursued her education with determination and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from RCC, followed by a Master’s in Nursing from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She dedicated herself to a career in nursing, working as a registered nurse at Riverside Community Hospital and also in the health center at Riverside City College. Ilene’s passion for nursing and zest for learning and giving back to the community led her to become a clinical instructor for the LVN/RN program at RCC, where she mentored and inspired countless students. Her calm, gentle, reassuring nature made her a favorite among her students.

Ilene and Joe enjoyed traveling near and far on their own and with friends and relatives. They visited many states and traveled extensively over Europe, including Scotland and Italy, the places of their ancestors, England, France, Germany, Switzerland, and they also visited Hong Kong and Egypt. One summer, they embarked on a unique adventure when Ilene accepted a position as a nurse at Tripp Lake Girls’ Camp in Maine, while Joe managed their dining room.

Ilene’s love and legacy extend beyond her immediate family to her faithful and adoring husband, Joe Pitruzzello, her five children: Marina Kelly and her husband Chris, Salvatore Pitruzzello and his wife Julie, Trey Pitruzzello and his wife Patricia, Giuseppe Pitruzzello and his wife Rose, and Gina Tompkins and her husband Bob. Additionally, she is survived and well loved by her 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, as well as her nieces, Debbie Martin and Cheryl Welty.

Ilene was predeceased by her parents, Alexander John and Carrie Eugenia Brockie, and her two brothers, Allen and Walter Brockie.

Ilene’s legacy of love, dedication, and compassion will forever live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched throughout her lifetime.

A private memorial service will be held to honor and celebrate the remarkable life of Frances Ilene Pitruzzello.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Frances Ilene Pitruzzello, at act.alz.org.

“Though her smile is gone forever and her hand we cannot touch, we shall never lose sweet memories of the one we loved so much.”