Ann M. Russo, 92, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2021. Ann was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Raymond and Margaret Duffy on January 31, 1929.
Her love of the theatre was evident in her time spent as an off-Broadway actress and member of Leonia Players Guild. She also acted and directed for the Comtra Theatre in Pittsburgh. Along with theatre, she always enjoyed watching tennis and spending countless hours listening to music, especially Frank Sinatra. Known to most as Nana, her most cherished memories came from spending time with her family and close friends. She moved to Virginia Beach as soon as she found out she was going to be a grandmother, as she didn’t want to miss a single milestone. She was the perfect and most devoted Nana. Her acting and directing came in handy when she would graciously accept the task of being a judge for the many home talent shows put on by her granddaughter and friends. If there was ever a chance for competition, she was always ready to challenge someone in a game of Yahtzee. In more recent years, her favorite trips were to Turks and Caicos, where she could relax by the pool all day and indulge nightly in her two favorites, lobster and instant coffee. You could always find her in the center of the largest group at any party laughing and telling stories. Her exuberant laugh could draw anyone in.
Other than her parents, Ann is preceded in death by her brother Bill Duffy and son-in-law Paul Darden.
Left to cherish her loving memory are her children, Amy Russo-Darden, Ken Russo (Helen) and Angela Russo (Jan); grandchildren, Morgan Arnette (John) and Vanya Russo; great-grandchild, Bryson Arnette; sister Blanche Pitchford of Texas; brother Bobby Duffy of Florida; she also leaves behind many other extended family members and friends, especially Tanya who spent many years helping Nana and became like family.
A memorial service will take place when it is safer to gather. The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Anthony at Sentara Leigh Hospital (1 West) who extended the utmost love, grace and compassion to Nana and family.
Cathy Magee posted on 10/21/21
Although, I had not seen Ann since she left Leonia, NJ, I have had three marvelous, telephone conversations in the past, ten years.. Each call prompted that joyous laugh. We spoke of our children, always the highest of our interest and love. A close second was our participation and roles in the Players Guild of Leonia. Ann was clearly the star, but always cheered me on. Our best casting was she as Auntie Mame (who else?) and I as Agnes Gooch. Ann opened her heart and home to my four children and me. She always had time. And Amy, Angela, and Kenny mirrored Ann in their friendly welcoming. How warm they were to these youngsters who still speak of those "teens" with fond memories! Every week, Ann prepared a casserole for my children and me. And how many dinners we enjoyed in her homr! French horn, Siberian Husky, litter in a closet, swims in the pool. How welcomed we were! I spoke with Ann, I think, during COVID. What fun! When she told me her age, what shock! I have lost a kind, dear friend. My daughter, Kim, just asked about Ann and found her obituary. How sad, but what a life of living, giving, and loving. When Ann and I would speak, it was though we had just been together. Amy, Angela, and Kenny, I think you understand how much I feel for all of you. You are darling and always have been. Thank you for sharing your mom with the Magee Family. Blessings to your mom's blessings - the three of you.