Sheila Russo

Sheila Murray Russo

February 7, 1923 - January 15, 2014

Raleigh

Sheila Murray Russo, 90, beloved wife of the late John Russo D.M.D., died January 15, 2014 in Raleigh, NC. Born in Bridgeport, CT to the late John and Sarah Murray, she was a Stratford, CT resident for most of her life until moving to Raleigh in 2007.

She was a graduate of Stratford High School and the College of New Rochelle and taught English before starting her family.

Sheila was a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Resurrection Choir at St. James Church and a longtime volunteer at St. Vincent's Hospital; a past president of the Bridgeport Dental Auxiliary and recording secretary for Catholic Charities. She enjoyed her bridge club of 40 years and her work for the prayer shawl ministry at St. Francis Church in Raleigh, as well as her years as a member of the nine hole golfers at Mill River Country Club. She and her husband were great travelers and always ready for a trip to someplace new.

Sheila will be remembered for her warm smile and her gracious manners. All who knew her were touched by her kindness and her joy in life. Her family meant the world to her and she to them. She will be greatly missed.

Sheila is survived by her children, Kevin Russo, Dawn and Tom Crotty, and Robin and Jim Valle; her grandchildren, Michael and Niamh Crotty, Kevin and Caitlin Crotty and Matt and Lauren Crotty; great grandchildren, Liam, MaireAine, Nuala and Dylan; her brother Emmet Murray and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, David.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Rosewood of Cypress, Raleigh, for the compassionate care they gave to Sheila as well as the support they extended to her family.

Calling hours are Monday, January 20, 2014 from 3 to 7 pm at Pistey Funeral Home, 2155 Main Street, Stratford, CT. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. James Church on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 9 am. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Merton House, 43 Madison Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604 or Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0302 or www.maryknollsociety.org. Please visit www.pisteyfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences.