Geraldine (Gerry) Russell

On May 30th, 2024, Geraldine (Gerry) Russell was carried to Heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was 83 years old and was a nurturing soul who led a wonderful life filled with love. She was born and raised on Long Island in New York to Daniel and Vera Cassese. She met her husband Richie in 1961 when she was 20 years old. They fell in love and were married in 1963. They were true soul mates and they raised a loving family with two sons, Rich and Tom.

Gerry was an amazing sweet woman who only grew sweeter with age. Everyone who met her could see how special she was. She was a loving trusting soul with a twinkle in her eyes who saw the best in everyone and would do anything for you. She had unshakable and unwavering faith in the Lord. Her favorite prayer book was always by her side and she would keep an extra supply on hand to give one to anyone who was willing to accept it. Her prayer book and statue of Jesus would be kissed multiple times throughout her day as she said her prayers.

Gerry was also a hopeless romantic who felt everyone needed and deserved to have a soul mate. New introductions would quickly result in questions about husbands, wives, boyfriends and girlfriends. If these unsuspecting souls were unattached she would swiftly try to play matchmaker. When/if she failed she would promise that someone was out there for them while shaking her little fist in the air with a warm loving smile as a sign to believe and not give up. This stemmed from the amazing relationship and life that she had with her husband Richie who predeceased her in 2004 and who continued to occupy her thoughts every day over the past two decades since he passed. She wanted everyone to experience the love and joy that she had in her life with her husband. There are at least two employees in her assisted living facility that are in a happy relationship due to her playing Cupid. There was nothing more special to her than making a difference and bringing happiness into people's lives. She was an endearing beautiful woman inside and out who touched the hearts of everyone she came into contact with, always thankful for the full and blessed life she was able to lead.

Gerry routinely nourished her soul by reminiscing about loving memories, including countless family holiday dinners that she routinely hosted, backyard barbecues, annual trips to the Adirondacks, being a baseball Mom for her sons, and the life that she shared with her beloved husband, all of which filled her with immense joy. She loved to laugh and would often say laughter is the best medicine. Those memories that brought laughter were some of the most cherished to her.

Gerry is survived by her sons Rich (predeceased by Lisa and grandbabies) and Tom (Laurie and grandchildren Jake and James), as well as countless loving friends and family members who will forever miss her loving spirit and smile. She was the proverbial glue that held our family together. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend. She showered everyone with love and was always grateful for all the love around her.

More than anything else, she was a nurturing Mom through and through, selfless in every respect. She was the embodiment of a mother's unconditional love and there are no words to express how much she will be missed. The world without her will never quite be the same for everyone who was blessed to have known this sweet, loving, special soul. The only comfort is knowing that she has found eternal peace and is surrounded by indescribable love and joy.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Priests of the Sacred Heart.