Barbara J. Russo

Barbara J. Russo (Taylor), 90, of Leominster and Somerville, Massachusetts, passed away on December 3, 2023. She was born in Mercer, Maine on December 1, 1933, to Charles and Bessie Taylor.

Barbara was a devoted wife to her late husband, Joseph Russo, for 40 years until his passing in 2002. Together, they owned and operated Russo's Wedding Supplies in Somerville for several decades. Barbara was known for her strong work ethic and held various jobs throughout her life, including being a bartender and server at the Stephen James Steak House in Cambridge, as well as a cashier at Star Market in Cambridge. She retired in 2008 and moved closer to her daughter in Leominster.

Family was of utmost importance to Barbara, and she was an exceptional and loving mother, grandmother, and sister. She had a passion for cooking and was always delighted to feed the entire neighborhood when her children were growing up. Barbara was a lifelong avid Red Sox fan and never missed watching a game. In her later years, she found immense joy in watching her grandsons play baseball and became their biggest cheerleader. Additionally, Barbara dedicated time to volunteering at St. Catherine's weekly Bingo in Somerville, as she was a longtime lover of the game.

Barbara is survived by her children Howard Stacey and his wife Nancy of Oregon, Robert of Springfield, James and his wife Angie of Wilmington, Barbara McCarthy and her husband Rick of Leominster, and John of Woburn. She was predeceased by her son Joseph, step-son Ronnie, and grandson Tyler McCarthy. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Sean and Seth Stacy, Megan Ehret, Jill Sidelinger, Sherry Morse, Matthew and Rebecca Russo, Ryan and Evan McCarthy, Jake Russo, and Cooper Russo, as well as 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was one of nine surviving children and was predeceased by her siblings Charles, Shirley, Richard, Eleanor, Lillian, Michael, and Theodore. She outlived all of her siblings, except her youngest brother Brian of Whitman. Barbara was determined to reach her 90th birthday, becoming the only one in her family to do so thus far. She passed away just two days later, a true testament to her fierce strength. Her loss will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral procession on Thursday morning, starting at 10:30 a.m., from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, located at 855 Broadway (Powder House Square), Somerville. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine's Church in Somerville. Calling hours will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the funeral procession. Barbara will then be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Barbara's passion and love for baseball, donations may be made in Barbara's memory to Central Mass Baseball where her grandchildren previously played. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 305, Leominster, MA 01453, or donations can be made through the Central Mass Baseball GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/04edcb43.

Please join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Barbara J. Russo. She will be deeply missed.