Published in the July 22, 2016 edition
ROCKPORT — Rosalie V. Russo, 92, of Rockport, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 3.
She was born in Chelsea on Oct. 7, 1923, the daughter of the late William Raymond Russo and Vivien Irene (Gill) Russo.
Rosalie attended Radcliffe for two years and then transferred to Wheelock College for its Early Education program. She graduated from Wheelock College in 1945 with a bachelor of science in Education and received a Master of Education degree from Boston University in 1960. She was a member of Pi Lambda Theta.
After her father’s sudden death at the age of 40, Rosalie managed the accounting at the family’s business for five years. She taught third grade in Melrose 1950-1952, and fourth grade in Brookline from 1952 until her retirement in 1980. During the summers of 1951-1965, she worked at Camp Kiwanee for Camp Fire Girls as director, business manager and assistant director.
She was an active member of the Christian Scientist Church in Gloucester, serving as treasurer and the First Reader (the person who conducts Sunday worship and Wednesday testimony meetings). She also was active in the Pigeon Cove Circle as treasurer and the Rockport Garden Club. She loved to knit beautiful sweaters for everyone, especially adorable bunny sweaters for new babies. She played the piano and enjoyed going to the symphony, Tanglewood and the North Shore Music Theater with her friends. Rosalie will be remembered by her friends and family as a loving, kind, fun and thoughtful person who loved children and was devoted to her church.
She is survived by her sister, Jacqueline Russo Lynch of Tolland, Conn.; niece Kristen Lynch of Tolland, Conn; niece Kimberley May and her husband, David, of Shrewsbury; nephew Robert R. Russo Jr. and his wife Meg, of Topsfield; niece Jill Wilkinson and her husband Robert, of Peabody; Kara Millis and her husband James, of Watertown, Conn.; eight grand nieces and nephews; one great-grand-nephew and one great-grand-niece; cousin Elinor Hickcox of Atlanta, Ga.; cousin Ralph Pullo III, and his wife Dorothy of Woburn; cousin Judith Caudle and her husband Thomas of Newnan, Ga.; cousin Ann Gill Hay and her husband Robert of Cranston, R.I. In addition to her parents, Rosalie was predeceased by her brothers, Anthony Thomas Russo, William Raymond Russo Jr. and Robert Roy Russo.
The family wishes to acknowledge Rosalie’s beloved caregiver and friend, Verna Bruce, whose loving devotion over the past six years has been a blessing.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Rosalie’s life during visiting hours on Wednesday, July 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by her graveside service at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose at 1 p.m.
Contributions may be made in her name to The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Treasurer, PO Box 239103, Boston MA 02123-9103 or to a charity of one’s choice. For online tribute and condolences, please visit www.RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
