Ann M. Russo

January 31, 1929 - February 13, 2021

01/31/1929 - 02/13/2021

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.

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Cathy Magee
2 years ago

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.

Doug and Renee Duffy
3 years ago

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! .

Patti Van Burkleo
3 years ago

I’ll always remember the black velvet purse you sent to me on my 5th birthday. You must have known I needed something elegant and feminine with all of my brothers. I never forgot it. We will miss your warmth, laughter, sense of humor and your life of the party personality. You were one of a kind. Big hugs to Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Bill up there along with my Dad. Dint have to much fun at our expense! Love, Patti

June Duffy
3 years ago

My sympathy to my nieces and nephew. Even. Though we were not in contact recently I often thought of the times we spent together. I agree. Ann was a unique and special person.

Elizabeth Schrero Cooper
3 years ago

My sincere condolences to Amy, Ken and Angela. I have so many fond memories of your Mom ( and many pictures! ) . My whole family loved her – Duff, as my Mom referred to her . She was a wonderful Mom and I am so sorry for your loss.

David Duffy
3 years ago

We will miss you Aunt Ann. I will never forget how when you addressed us as kids you always called us “Darling”. I used to love seeing you with my Dad, Aunt Blanche and Uncle Bob and just hearing all the stories of when you guys were growing up.

Maureen Martin Anderson
3 years ago

I have such fond memories of spending time with Ann. I can truly say that Ann was the best mother-in-law that a person could have. I was blessed to know her and will always cherish her kindness, quick wit, smile and the kindness she showed to everyone she met. My condolences to Amy, Ken, Angie, Morgan and extended family. Ann can dance among the stars now.

Dru Duffy
3 years ago

Well will miss you Aunt Ann . My dad will be glad to see you in Heaven. Our prayers go out to Amy , Angie , Ken and the rest of the Russo family. It was good that you were all able to be with her in her final hours . God Bless Dru

Dru Duffy
3 years ago

We will miss you aunt Ann . I am sure my dad will be happy to see you in heaven. Our prayers go out to Ann , Angie , Ken and the rest of the Russo family. We were all glad to hear that you were all
able to be with aunt Ann in her final hours. . God Bless you all. Dru

Dan Duffy
3 years ago

Can’t forget the days of big extended family gatherings with the Russo’s, Pitchford’s and Duffy’s with Aunt Ann right in the middle of all the chaos! Her laugh could be heard from Miley’s away Our sympathies and thoughts to her family.