Riwa Brusasco

Riwa Brusasco (Anjain) passed away surrounded by her loved ones at the age of 86 Friday, July 19th at the Salem Hospital.

Riwa was born April 16, 1938 in Jaluit, Marshall Islands to Tur Wajan and Jacob Anjain. She lived on the island of Ebeye where she birthed and raised her first of many children. Riwa worked as a nurse, traveling from Kwajalein to Ebeye on a boat which eventually led her to cross paths with the Captain, Peter Brusasco. All it took for him was seeing her and shortly after he found himself knocking on her door insisting they go out on a date and that was the start of their love story of 51 years.

Pete and Riwa got married on the island of Ebeye September 23rd, 1973. The couple moved back to the states in 1974 and together shared 13 children, (Jenny, Emita, Robinson, Minta, Branny, Jr., Danny, Sparton, Juanita, Tammy, Tina, Theresa and Angie) 32+ grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Riwa’s family will remember her as someone who loved her family fiercely and unconditionally. Nurturing came effortlessly to Riwa and that was apparent by the type of mother, grandmother, friend, and sister she was. She always had Juicy Fruit in her purse and loved watching old westerns and Korean films. She loved tending to her flowers, collecting perfumes, going shopping, and sharing her love for the lord with those around her. Nobody could ever forget the way she’d laugh when you danced for her; her soft hands and gentle sniffs; and her back rubs that lulled you to sleep. She will be missed immeasurably.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 10th

at Cascade View Free Methodist Church in Sublimity, Oregon at 11:00 a.m.