Obituary of Margarita Taruski

Margarita Taruski , 95, died on February 27, 2009 at her home. Born in Lithuania, she attended the University of Vytautas the Great in Kaunas, Lithuania. She graduated in 1938 with a Humanities degree with a focus on Foreign Language and Social Work. She spoke and wrote six languages, and continued to keep up her knowledge of languages for her entire life. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Joseph Taruski. They met in 1933 while attending college, and all her friends spoke of "her American" who pursued her earnestly and doggedly. They were married in Kaunas, Lithuania on May 31, 1938. In 1944, her husband and she left her home in Lithuania with only two suitcases to escape the Soviet Union. They fled to Austria and then to Germany through various refugee camps for three years while waiting for Joseph's approval to bring his family to the United States. They arrived in Waterbury, Connecticut in March of 1947. Margarita retired from Waterbury Hospital where she was Director of Social Services. Mr. And Mrs. Taruski have resided at Vina Del Mar in St. Pete Beach, the Sea Tower Condominiums, and finally to a home in Madeira Beach where she lived until death. Margarita was an amateur painter and loved to sew. She believed strongly in American democracy, was avidly interested in politics, always voted in every election, and voted for Barack Obama for President in the 2008 election. During their marriage, Mr. And Mrs. Taruski traveled extensively on world cruises. They were members of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Mrs. Taruski was a creative and fun loving person. During her life she was able to care for her husband at home during ten years of illness, and then to remain in her home independently until her death. She was assisted by caregivers, Anne Crichfield and Isaac Vincente', and was supported by her best friend and neighbor, Betty Hayduke. Margarita is survived by her two sons and their wives - Rimas Taruski and wife Sue DeJarnette of Madeira Beach, and Algis Taruski and wife Patty of St. Augustine. She is also survived by three grandsons, Keith, David and Adam. Funeral services will be held at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Wednesday March 4, 2009 at 10:00am. In memory of Margarita, donations may be made to The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite 300, Clearwater, FL 33760. An Open House will be held at the home of Rimas Taruski at 513 Lillian Drive, Madeira Beach, following the service.