Mary Ann Russo

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 13th. from 3-7pm at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River, NJ. A mass to celebrate Mary Ann's life will be held at 10 am on Friday, March 14, at St. Joseph's R.C. Church in Toms River, 685 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ; entombment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Toms River. Condolences to the family may be expressed by visiting www.andersonandcampbell.com.

Mary Ann was born on September 26, 1933, in Long Branch, N.J., to Irish parents. She attended Asbury Park High School, following which she attended Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa. where she attained her B.S. degree in nutritional sciences. After graduating college, she worked at the United States Public Health Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, achieving the rank of lieutenant. She continued her career at the Country Manor Nursing Home in Toms River, where she worked part-time for many years while raising her family.

Mary Ann and her loving husband, John, moved to Toms River in 1961. Mary Ann and John, who were high school sweethearts, were wed on September 7, 1957, and were married for nearly 60 years. They joined Saint Joseph's Parish in the early 1960s and remained faithful parishioners for many decades. They raised their three children, Cathy, Caryl, and John in their hometown of Toms River. Mary Ann was a caring and thoughtful woman who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and friends. A sports enthusiast, Mary Ann was an avid skier who spent a great deal of time on the mountains in Vail, Colorado. Mary Ann also loved playing tennis and golf, passions she passed down to her children and grandchildren, and was an avid and dedicated fan of the New York Giants and the New York Mets.

Known for her adoration of animals, Mary Ann had many pets throughout her life, including several she and her family rescued and adopted. In her spare time, Mary Ann was involved in many charities and humanitarian services where she lovingly devoted a great deal of her time.

Mary Ann was predeceased by her beloved husband, John, her parents, James and Helen Carrigan; her sister, Dorothy; and her niece, Eileen. Surviving are her daughter, Cathy and her husband, Ed Delanoy; her daughter, Caryl and her husband, Bob Singer; her son, John Jr. and his wife, Jennifer Perlmutter-Russo; her grandchildren, Michael and his fiancée, Gina, Dana, Marianna, Jake, and Caroline; her many nieces, nephews, and friends; and her devoted caregiver, Wendy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Joseph's R.C. Church, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River, N.J. 08753, Popcorn Park Zoo, 1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ 08731 or Community Medical Center Foundation, 99 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755.