Root was born July 6, 1927 in Forestville, Va. Her hobbies were gardening, singing, playing the piano, and collecting copper music boxes. She felt her greatest achievements in life were her children.

Root lived in Cupertino from 1963 to 1990, and all her children were raised here. She was very involved in her children's school activities and her son's soccer team. She was a homemaker but worked in the summer at the canneries in Sunnyvale. She enjoyed taking classes in crochet and guitar playing at the Cupertino Senior Center.

Root is survived by her husband, Gerald, and five children—Sharon Faust, Terese Livingston, Laurie Vogt, Kyle Root and Brenda, who preferred not to have her last name published. She is also survived by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

There were no services. Donations may be made to Hospice Partners of the Central Coast at 227 South St., Suite R, San Luis Obispo, 93401.