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Rose A. Russell
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Rose Russell Obituary
Rose was born in Pawcatuck to the late Vincenzo and Anna Serio, part of a large Sicilian family that bore 11 children. Rose graduated from Stonington High School and was employed over the years at Woolworth's, Moore's, and within the Stonington School System in the kitchen/cafeteria.
Rose and her family made their home next to the Serio family homestead, and after her parent's passing, her home became the gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors and Rose became 'The Godmother'. Whether it be a brief visit to chat and have a cup of coffee, or a celebration such as the August 'Feast of Maria Assunta', the door was always open. Rose was known for her excellent Italian cooking, especially her traditional Italian cookies which would be distributed locally and also shipped to family, friends, and neighbors for holidays and special occasions to locations such as California, Florida, Texas, and Indiana for example.
Rose is survived by her son Bob (Norvesa) of Westerly and daughter Susan of Pawcatuck, along with great-granddaughter Skylar Cuizon of The Philippines. Rose is the last of the Serio siblings; the end of an Italian American generation that included brothers, Thomas, Anthony, Salvator, John, Angelo, Joseph and James; and sisters, Connie Whaley, Olive Wilder and Josephine Senical. Rose is survived by many nieces & nephews and their families along with extended family and friends.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the Westerly Health Center for their care while Rose was a patient there.
Visiting hours will be on Thursday, November 6th from 4pm - 7pm at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 7th at St. Michael's Church, 60 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck. Burial will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rose Russell
Sponsored by Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly.
4 Entries
Bob Lidestri
Yesterday
Bob and Susan:
So sorry for your loss!
With fond memories!
Thoughts and prayers!
Bob Lidestri
Dan Dinoto
November 5, 2025
Bobby: My sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. When we were younger and I had more occasions to talk with her she always had the sweetest smile and I always felt her warmth. You and I are the same age and we were put together as toddlers because we were neighbors, and I'm pretty sure that was a memory she held onto when she saw us together years later when we in our teens. You only get one mother. You and I were lucky because we got good ones! Rose got the gift of a long life, and you got the gift of having her in your life into your senior years, also a rare blessing. My best thoughts and wishes are with you now and going forward.
Your old friend,
Danny
Fred and Gail Shawyer
November 5, 2025
Gail and I would like to send our condolences to the Russel family She was such a sweet lady We would have definitely attended the service but we no longer live in town But our prayers are with you Fred & Gail Shawyer
Bill Serio
November 5, 2025
I have many treasured memories of spending time at Aunt Rosie´s house with all the family. She was always welcoming and kind to all. Rest in peace Aunt Rosie.
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Memorial Events
for Rose Russell
Nov
7
Funeral services provided by:
Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891
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