Mary Ellen Russo, a Fishkill resident since 2000 and formerly of the Bronx, passed away Saturday, October 20, 2012. She was 86.
Daughter of the late Henri and Johanna Sullivan Groen, she was born in New York City on November 28, 1925. Mary enjoyed working for Charlie Fields as a buyer at JC Penney in NYC and then went on to work in her husband's family business, Russo Brothers Bakery in the Bronx for many years until she retired and fulfilled a lifelong dream, travelling around Europe for 6 weeks making many new friends.
Mary was a member of St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Fishkill. Her hobbies included oil painting for which she won many awards and ribbons. Mary enjoyed playing tennis with her good friends. She also enjoyed going to NYC on a regular basis see Broadway shows. Whenever a friend or relative came into town, Mary took them to museums, shows, and all the tourist attractions.
She is survived by her husband, Antonio Russo at home; two daughters, JoAnne Reinhardt & her husband Raymond of Wappingers Falls and Mary Ellen Douglas & her husband C.B. of Patterson; her grandchildren, Matthew Reinhardt, Charlie Douglas and Tina Douglas; her sister, Joan Levee of Pawling; and many other loving relatives & friends.
Mary was predeceased in death by her three sisters, Louise Lemoine, Elizabeth Farrell & Henrietta Sullivan and her daughter, Susan Rose Russo, who predeceased her December 1, 2005.
Mom was thoughtful, kind and the most generous person you ever met. She was also a lot of fun and really liked to laugh. She will be missed so very much every moment of every day by many people. Mary Russo really made the world a better place for all of us.
Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 25 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill.
For driving directions, online condolences and memorial donations, please visit Mary's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.