Jean B. Russo

Jean B. Russo, born Jean Gertrude Benson, on May 29, 1931, in the small Upper Peninsula town of Alpha, went to join her beloved Lord on October 4, 2017. Jean was an intensely faithful servant of the Lord our God, Jesus Christ. Her faith was deep and always on display during each interaction with all she came in contact with. She was the oldest child of 4 of Agnes Ann Galli and Bernard Joseph Benson. She is survived by her 2 younger sisters, Patricia and Barbara. Her younger brother Bobby preceded her in death.

Her family’s history began in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. At the age of 4 her parents moved to St Clair Shores. She graduated from South Lake High School in 1949 and matriculated to Hillsdale College. Jean began her working years at Hudson Motor Company. Although after starting her family, she left the corporate world in order to devote her life to raising her children. As her children aged, she filled in her days transcribing court records for the St. Clair Shores District Court.

Jean always had a hidden artistic spirit. In 1977 she combined that talent with her prior experience creating gift baskets to start a very successful company, “A Touch of Fruit Gift Baskets”. She ran the company creating wonderful delights for 40 years in the city of St. Clair Shores. During this time, she and her late husband Sam also owned and ran “Russo’s Produce Plus” and Doc’s café. She was very dedicated to her Catholic beliefs and loved the churches she attended

including St. Gertrude, St. Lucy’s, and St. Joan of Arc. She loved the Lord and because of her faith, her place is set in heaven. We all strive to hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Those words describe what she heard when she met her Savior.

Jean was a tremendous fixture in the city of St. Clair Shores. She participated in numerous organizations and assisted in an extensive number of fundraisers. “No” was not part of her vocabulary. She was an ardent supporter of the Nautical Mile helping forge its direction and was a leader in its growth. All of the accomplishments achieved on the outside are wonderful, but none were as important as her family. She raised 5 children; 4 boys and one girl. Her children have blessed her with 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Jean Russo made the world a better place. She was the epitome of an outstanding wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to all she touched. Her fingerprint will last forever on the city of St Clair Shores. Her view of life was one of her most special qualities and describing this in a simple page is an impossible feat. She will be missed by all but never forgotten. Rest in peace my Lord’s servant.

Visitation will be in the Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores on Sunday, Oct. 8 from 3 to 8 p.m. There will be a Sharing of Memories at 6:30 followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 23401 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores., Mon. Oct 9 at 12 p.m.

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