Wanda R Russo

Cortlandt Manor, NY -

Wanda Russo, age 94, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.

Born in 1927 and raised in the Bronx, NY she was the daughter of Joseph and Elvezia Rea.  

On April 15, 1951, she married the love of her life, Peter, who predeceased her. They shared 66 remarkable years together.

Wanda was a loving and caring mother to Brenda Russo Bailey (Julian) of Manhassett, NY; Lori Russo and Ron Knell of White Plains, NY; Paul Russo (Lora Lee) of Norwich, NY; and Rhea Russo and Gary Krueger of Bedford, NY.  She loved her

four grandsons, Adrian and Justin Bailey, and Brett and Matt Krueger, as well as

her step-grandsons; Craig (Whitney), Brandon (Lisa), Jonathan (Miki), step-granddaughter, Meredith (David), great step-granddaughters; (Natalie, Ava, Leah, Hannah), and great step-grandson, Nicholas.  Her cousins, nieces, and nephews loved her spirit.  She is survived by her sister Lydia Caponigro, and predeceased by her sister Laura Juliano, and two brothers Raymond and Louis Rea.  

A top-notch secretary having worked for General Devoe at the VA Hospital in New York City, Wanda later became an executive assistant to the personnel director of the Peekskill City School District.

Her caring and kindness extended beyond her immediate family. Friends, neighbors, coworkers, and strangers were blessed by her warmth and sense of humor. She loved movies of the 30’s and 40’s, collecting dolls, great bargain shopping, fashion, mustaches (real ones), and Frank Sinatra. She was a recycler before recycling was even a “thing,” reusing and reimagining items in unconventional ways and presenting them in a brand new light.

Creativity knew no bounds whether it was from her clothing and jewelry combinations to holiday and table decorations. Everything was made more festive and fun because of her thoughtful and imaginative touches.  

She was an open minded thinker who wouldn't accept bigotry or intolerance.  She made us laugh.  No one laughed like she did, and no one worried more - no matter how big or how trivial. Yet, she was strongest in times of crisis.

We will really miss her……

“Our Wanda".

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mohegan Volunteer Ambulance Corps in her memory (1975 East Main Street, Mohegan Lake, NY 10547, Attention Chief Anthony Milo), and/or a charity dear to your heart.