Russo, Anna (Croce)

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On January 25, 2023, Anna Russo, our adored mother, gram, sister, aunt, and friend to many throughout her 81 years, passed away suddenly but very peacefully in California. A daughter of the late Nicola and Angelina Croce, she was born in Providence and raised in Johnston, Rhode Island, together with her five siblings. Ann moved to Southern California in the early 1960’s where she raised her family and lived there for most of her life.

Mother to Michael Joseph Russo and Joanne Russo Cordero; grandmother to Joseph and Jason Russo and Alexa Cordero; and great-grandmother to Avery Paige and Parker Ann Russo, she is also survived by her sister and best friend, Linda Lazzareschi and her family of Johnston, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ann was predeceased by her parents, her sisters, Josephine Parrillo and Marie Iacubucci, and two brothers, Nicola Croce, Jr., and Louis Croce.

Overcoming barriers for divorced women and single working mothers in the 1970's & 1980's, Ann worked tirelessly to provide for her children. Throughout her life, her family was her highest priority and her greatest source of pride; her love and support were constant, selfless, and unconditional!

With her strong, ‘old-fashioned’ work ethic, Ann enjoyed a successful 45+ years’ career in the mortgage lending industry, from which she retired in 2011. Highly respected and regarded as a woman of dignity, integrity, and professionalism, she was a loyal, trusted, diligent, and hard-working leader and mentor' endearing herself to many during her professional career and elsewhere throughout her life. She’ll undoubtedly be most remembered for her incredible sense of humor and making lifelong friendships.

In retirement, Ann enjoyed quality time spent with family and friends, walks and workouts, various volunteer activities, and quiet time reading. Her greatest joy was the special relationship she shared with her grandchildren. She especially treasured her life-long friendships with her beloved ‘high school buddies’, Denise Orton, Maureen Denman, and Marilyn Hartman. Highlights of her trips home to Rhode Island always included excursions to fabled Newport to shop with Linda (for sale items only!) while strolling along Thames Street, Bowens’ Warf, and Brick Market Place, and long lunches with her ‘BFF’s at Newport Creamery, always topped-off with a “Dusty Sundae with extra (extra, extra, extra) dust, please”!

Despite some challenging health and memory issues in recent years, Ann’s profound love of family and friends, awesome sense of humor, and jubilant smile never wavered as she remained our shining star and revered matriarch through it all!

Ann’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Rocco Church in Johnston; her family will welcome visitors in the Church foyer beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Immediately following holy mass, Ann will be laid to rest alongside her parents in the family lot at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Cranston, RI.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Berarducci Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, Providence, RI. For those who so desire, memorial contributions to one’s local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association would be appropriate and appreciated.

Now rest in love & eternal peace, dear Ann