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.
Doug and Renee Duffy posted on 2/17/21
Amy ,Ken and Angie our hearts ache for you ! Your Mom added much spice to life ! I remember the days she worked at CTR especially when tasked with collecting the bills, she feared none but my guess is some feared her :) We will be praying for you all , we know when some-one is loved so much the loss is that much deeper! .