Madeline Elizabeth Tomasino Russo

Madeline Elizabeth (Baby) Tomasino Russo was born in Houston on the 4th of December, 1921. Named after her Grandma, Madeline Vitanza Pizzitola, she was a daughter to Lillie Pizzitola and Phillip (Filippo) Tomasino and remained in Houston all her life. Mom married Pete Russo (the love of her life) very young and supported him in his business, the Holman Hardware & Variety Store in Third Ward. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) had a picture of the Store in the Museum for Black History Month along with an article of how 3rd Ward loved Dad/Mom and their store. Made mom so proud of dad. They owned and ran the store for 40 + years. Mom worked part-time and still took care of Housewife duties.

After Dad retired, Mom and Dad moved and managed the Christian Village Apartments for seven years and were members of the Evangelist Temple Church. They kept up with maintenance, arrangements for doctor appts and checked for gas/water leaks. A Christian Villager described them saying “The care that is given is not a job to Pete/Madeline, but “love” for their family. Mom/Dad gave selflessly throughout their time working for Christian Village Apts. Many occasions they were awakened in the middle of the night to tend to broken pipes or rush someone to the hospital. After the Christian Village ended, they moved to Bedford Apts. in Friendswood where mom became a member of Life Church and she attended every Sunday. Mom gave all she could to Life Church every Sunday. This is where she became good friends with Richard and Donna and their family as well as Pastor Mike Carlen. Mom, Donna and Richard would attend services together and often socialize. Mom had a lot of friends at Bedford Apts. In 2017 Mom moved in with Paulette. In 2018, she fell and moved to Baywood Crossing Rehab.

On her 100th birthday Mom had a party (during covid) with her side of the family, her kids and her grandchildren. Of course, at her favorite place, Pappadeaux’s. She received a birthday card from President Joe and Jill Biden along with over 100 other people. After her party at Pappadeaux’s she had a birthday cake with family and friends at Baywood. She said this was one of her best birthdays!

She was nominated Queen for a Valentines party by popular vote at Baywood Crossing. Oh boy, she loved this. She thought she was Queen from then on!

She loved the Astros and her favorite was Jose Altuve. She would watch the games and wear her Astro shirt and cap. In her late 90’s she learned to operate her first cell phone and loved using it. She would call everyone, sometimes late at night. A couple of years back she learned how to use her Alexa. She would ask Alexa to play Christian/Gospel music all day and end the day with Elvis Gospel music. Sometimes all of Hall 3 of Baywood would be rocking. At times, her Alexa was so loud the whole hall was praying and singing at the same time. Every Wednesday was Spiritual Day and she loved to sing and praise Jesus. She would go to all the other rooms saying “Lets Go”. She would read the Bible, spread the word and all would sing. Her faith in God was strong. She believed God let her live a long life to spread the faith.

Madeline is survived by her son, Angelo A. (“Pete”) Russo Jr. and wife Pat, daughters, Carolyn Grizzaffi and Paulette Bernhagen and husband Patrick, and her sister, Jeanette Russo.

Her Grandchildren: Nick Russo, Angela Bowers, Ginger Montalbano, Madalyn Webster, Anthony Grizzaffi and wife Bethany, Angelo Grizzaffi and wife Kristi, Angelo “Pete” Russo III and wife Rhonda, Andrea Campise, Troy Hessels and wife Jennifer, Michael Bernhagen, Kendra Bernhagen and 19 Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded into Heaven by her Husband, Angelo Anthony “Pete” Russo, Sr., married for over 50 years; her sons, Ronnie and Phillip and daughter Mary Campise; her brother Tony Tomasino, and sisters, Lilly Messina and Mary Russo and her grandson, Michael Russo.

Honored to serve as Pallbearers are: Anthony Grizzaffi, Angelo Grizzaffi, Angelo “Pete” Russo III, Troy Hessels, Michael Bernhagen, Trevor Hessels and Tyler Hessels.

Honorary Pallbearer: Michael Russo (deceased).

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Harbor Hospice and to Baywood Crossing Rehabilitation for their dedication and loving care.

Service for all family and friends will be at Forest Park Lawndale at the Chapel of Angels will be Monday March 20th at 11: 00am for visitation and 12 noon for the service. The service will honor both Madeline and Phillip Russo who passed within days of each other. The immediate family will gather for a private interment after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research. Donate by phone at 800 822 6344 or mail to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P. O. Box 1000 Memphis, TN 381-0142.

Some interesting facts about Madeline Russo:

Mom automatically became an Italian Citizen after her grandson, Michael Bernhagen became an Italian Citizen in 2022. Strong ties to her heritage. She was so proud.

She got up early every morning, showered and had her makeup and clothes on by 6:30 AM.

Right after dressing, she made coffee every morning using her Farber Ware coffee pot. She made the BEST coffee in the world. Ask Richard her good friend.

She loved going to the Beauty Shop, getting her nails polished weekly. Pedicure occasionally. She went grocery shopping once a week and loved looking for clothes and shoes non-stop.

She loved Shipleys donuts and Pappadeaux’s was her favorite place to eat shrimp.

When she was younger, she loved bowling and was on a team with dad. She also loved playing Spades and Poker with family and friends. Mom had a lot of fun when she would go to the casino and gamble. She loved going to the casino. Runs in the family!

Mother loved company. She loved having her kids and grandchildren with her at all times. She loved all her friends.

At Baywood everyone loved her. They would always give her hugs and kisses. They all called her “Mama.”

On the weekend before Valentine’s Day, she had Olive Garden’s Ravioli and a heart full of Russell Stover Candy. On Valentine’s Day she had her favorite steak-filet mignon from Outback, complete with a sweet potato.

After Valentine’s Day week Mom got sick and started to decline. From that time on she was surrounded with family and friends until she peacefully passed.

Mom, age 101 was a beautiful, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother and best friend, who passed on March 10, 2023 on Friday at 7 pm. She will be missed dearly. Mom left this world with her moisturizer on, nails clipped and her new dress on!

Your life was a blessing momma, your memory a treasure. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Phillip Russo obituary can be seen at Obituary information for Phillip Benjamin Russo (mcnuttfuneralhome.com)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Russo family.