Enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and loved family
MELROSE — Patricia Ann Russo (Buckley), passed away on Saturday, August 16 after a two-year battle with Cancer.
Born in Chelsea on July 3, 1937, she grew up initially thinking that the Fourth of July fireworks were for her birthday celebration! She was known to friends as Pat, then later to her family as Mom and Nana Pat. Pat was a local beauty pageant winner. Pat graduated from Cathedral High School in Boston and has remained close friends with several classmates over these many years.
In 1960, Pat and her former husband, the deceased Joseph F. Russo, settled in Melrose to raise their family. Pat was a resident of Melrose for over 66 years. Initially, she was a stay-at-home mom involved in school field trips, leading the Bluebirds groups and her children’s many activities. She traveled cross-country with her young family and then was happy to spend her summers on Cape Cod. Later, Pat began her career and worked as an Administrative Assistant at MIT in the Treasurer’s Office. She ultimately retired early to begin a second career as a Tour Guide, leading trips in New England and then all over the world. Her international travel included several cruises in Europe, many visits to Ireland, England, Scotland and France, as well as Iceland, China and Russia, but her favorite was Italy.
In life and in her travel adventures, Pat always had fun-filled stories of the people that she met and new friends that she made along the way. She relied on her sense of humor, grace and her go-with-the-flow attitude to get through the bumps in the road. Pat enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with her family whenever possible.
Pat is survived by her children Patricia M. Connors (Sean), Joseph M. Russo (Ann-Marie) and Lisa A. Cusolito (Paul). She was a cherished grandmother to Alexandra, Michael (Amelia), Nicholas (Marina), Michael, Christopher, Andrew and Maggie, as well as two great grandchildren Elliot and Olympia.
Visiting hours for family and friends will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W Foster St., Melrose on Sunday, August 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 25 at 10 a.m. at the Incarnation Catholic Church, 429 Upham St., Melrose. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or an organization special to you. To leave a message of condolence visit gatelyfh.com.