Rina Markham

August 15, 1960 – February 17, 2019

Rina Markham

Rina Maria Ruscitti Markham, 58, of Berthoud died peacefully on Feb. 17, 2019, surrounded by family and friends in love and with grace. Rina was born on Aug. 15, 1960, to Emiliano and Maria Ruscitti in Longmont, Colo. Rina grew up in Frederick and graduated from Longmont High School in 1978.

Rina was a fighter. She inspired many with her courageous and humble battle with cancer. In the 1980s Rina ran Sunrise Market in Berthoud, where she met her husband Harvey “Mark” Markham. Together they owned and operated the Berthoud Candy Shop. Rina loved the mountains (especially Peaceful Valley, Estes Park and Steamboat Springs), traveling to Hawaii, Jimmy Buffet, Jack Johnson, country music and her Italian family heritage. Rina was a humble, kind and gentle soul, who touched many lives with loving her spirit. She had many lifelong friends – to become her friend also meant becoming part of her family.

Rina was a devoted mother to Anthony Markham and Sarah Markham. They were the pride and joy of her life and carry her loving spirit. One of her greatest joys and a true blessing before she passed away was the birth of grandson Wyatt, who was born to Anthony and his wife Kaila in September 2018.

Rina is survived by her parents, Emiliano and Maria Ruscitti of Frederick; her husband Mark of Berthoud; son Anthony and his wife Kaila of Thornton; daughter Sarah of Berthoud; baby grandson Wyatt, sisters; Linda Ruscitti Gould and Lora Ruscitti Covington (Rhett); brother Giovanni Ruscitti (Aggie), nieces; Kristina Gould, Rebecca Gould, and Izabella Ruscitti, nephews; Dante Ruscitti, Donato Ruscitti, Abe Covington and Joey Covington, and her mother-in-law Jean Markham.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of Rina’s doctors and care providers for their love, compassion and kindness, including especially Dr. Mikyong Hand, Dr. Jean Lu, and the team at TRU Community Care in Longmont (Lisa, Karen, Candace, Kristi, Monica, Connie, Beth, Kari and Sofia).

A celebration of life will be held at Grace Place, 375 Meadowlark Dr., Berthoud, Colo., at 3:30 p.m. on March 3, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Roberta’s Legacy, [email protected], 1067 S. Hover Street Unit E #110 Longmont, CO 80501, http://robertaslegacy.org/