Anna Mae Russo

With deep love and profound gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of Anna Mae Russo, on October 21, 2025, at the age of 91. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Anna Mae's life was defined by resilience, warmth, and an unwavering spirit.

Born in New York City on July 17, 1934, Anna Mae was the eldest of four children to Anna Jakimowitz and George C. Diem. Her early life was shaped by both hardship and strength-spending a decade at Mount Loretto Orphanage on Staten Island from the age of 7 until she "aged out" at 17. Despite these challenges and the separation from her sisters, Anna Mae's courage and perseverance would come to define her legacy.

Eager to chart her own path, she left St. Helena High School with just a half-year remaining to pursue independence and a career in the bustling heart of New York City. It was there, while riding a bus, that she met the love of her life, Anthony J. Russo, who was working at Bergdorf Goodman before beginning his career with the NYPD.

Together, they built a life filled with love and family. After marrying, they welcomed three daughters while living in the Parkchester section of the Bronx. With the birth of their youngest child-and only son-they moved to Levittown, Long Island, where they would purchase their first and only home. It was in that home that Anna Mae would reside for the next 54 years, creating a warm and welcoming environment filled with laughter, stories, and cherished traditions.

After being widowed at 57, Anna Mae lived with vitality and purpose-traveling and crocheting with friends from her church and local Long Island social clubs, and staying active in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Later in life, she moved to South Windsor, CT, to be closer to family, and eventually to Masonicare at Mystic, where her vibrant energy and innate ability to connect with others made her a beloved member of the community. As she often proved throughout her life, she truly never met a stranger.

Known affectionately as Anne or Annie, she will be remembered for her strong will, deep compassion, and love of animals-traits she passed on to all who knew her. Her story is one of perseverance, generosity, and boundless heart.

Anna Mae is survived by her children: Laura Anne Tayloe (Michael Tayloe), Terry Lye, Eva Cahill (Thomas Cahill), and Anthony P. Russo (Evelyn Russo). She was a proud and loving grandmother to: Thomas Cahill (Chelsea), Kathryn Tayloe Pearson (Craig), Melissa Buontempone (Dan), Allison Dulany Tayloe, Lindsay Tayloe Popkowski (Adam), Samantha Hally (Matt), Victoria Scafati (Zach), and Rebecca Russo, and adored her eleven great-grandchildren.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of Masonicare, Fairview, and Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, whose care and kindness provided great comfort in Anna Mae's final years. A very special thank you goes to Sarah Brava, her dedicated aide for 3.5 years, and to Angela, Brandy, Renee, Eileen, Jackie and Sean at Masonicare, who brought light and companionship into her days.

A celebration of Anna Mae's extraordinary life will be held on November 15, 2025 at Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic (51 Williams Avenue) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to North Shore Animal League on Long Island, in honor of her lifelong love of animals and her generous spirit. A separate interment ceremony will be held at Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury, N Y, in early 2026.

Anna Mae Russo's story is one of strength, love, and legacy. She will be missed beyond measure-and remembered always.