LaVerne Russomanno

LaVerne Jane Russomanno died at UW Hospital on February 1, 2026. LaVerne was an amazing person who embodied the best of human kindness.  Her compassion, generosity and warmth will be missed by her family, friends, neighbors, local baristas and dog walkers, and anyone else who had the good luck of knowing her.  

LaVerne was born in St. Louis, Missouri on December 2, 1943, and grew up there with her parents, Frances and Leo Boes, and sister, Patricia Boes.  After graduating high school in 1961, LaVerne joined the School Sisters of Notre Dame, where she earned a Bachelor of Science and was certified to teach high school math and science. Although she left the School Sisters after 10 years, she remained dedicated to teaching and serving others, working as a teacher at St. Roch Catholic High School, and later, earning an education specialist and master’s degree in counseling so she could continue her work as both a teacher and counselor at Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis. LaVerne was loved and respected by her colleagues and students, not only for her skill and dedication but also for her patience and sincerity.

After leaving the convent, LaVerne met James (Jim) Russomanno at a dance. LaVerne appreciated Jim’s playfulness and wit, and Jim quickly realized LaVerne was the best of the best.  They married and settled in St. Louis, where they raised their son, Anthony. LaVerne was a devoted mother to Anthony and David, Jim’s son from his first marriage, as well as a devoted beagle-mom to the three beagles she and Jim raised together.  After Jim’s death, LaVerne again demonstrated her selflessness by uprooting her life in St. Louis to move to Madison, Wisconsin, where she helped Anthony and his wife, Sarah, take care of their two children, Leo and Franklin. Despite moving several hours away, LaVerne continued to nurture the life-long friendships she’d made in St. Louis, communicating with her friends regularly on the phone, through text messages and with cards and gifts.  She never missed the chance to celebrate a loved one’s birthday, anniversary or any other special occasion.  

In addition to David (Theresa) Russomanno, Sarah, Leo, and Franklin Russomanno, LaVerne is survived by many family and friends who held her dear, including her grandson Evan; cousin Don Cramer; sister-in-law Christine (Ronald) Wenberg and her spouse and family.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, husband, and son, Anthony.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on February 14, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison, Wisconsin.

To view her obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257