Obituary of Joanne Marie Russo

Joanne Marie "Joey" Russo, age 76, of Gloversville, died Friday morning, March 1, 2024, at Mountain Valley Hospice House, Gloversville, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She was born February 16, 1948, in Gloversville, the daughter of John and Alma (Kersting) Thompson. She graduated from Bishop Burke High School and attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing.  Upon graduation, Joey worked as a registered nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital.  In October 1969, she married Santo (Sandy) Russo Jr. and they relocated to White Plains, NY and then to Chatsworth, CA where they welcomed a daughter, Elise F. Russo.  Joey worked at Northridge Hospital as a Cardiac Intensive Care Nurse for many years until moving back to Gloversville, NY and back to nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, NY.  Always a nurse, after she retired, Joey volunteered at Nathan Littauer Hospital. 

Joey is survived by her beloved daughter, Elise F. Russo of Gloversville; her best friend and former husband Santo (Sandy) Russo, Jr. of Gloversville, her nieces Christine Botelho and Lauren Papa of New Milford, CT and Jessica Papa of NY, NY; her sister-in-law Debbie Russo Peretsman (Sandy); her brother-in-law Anthony M. Detarando (JoAnn) of Sturbridge, MA as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins that loved her dearly.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister Susan (Thompson) Papa of New Milford, CT. 

Joey was a kind soul with a quiet and deep love for family, animals, baking cookies, gardening, and walking.  She could be seen every day walking her loyal companion, Scrappy, through the streets in Gloversville.  She enjoyed caring for her family and friends and was a caring and frequent visitor to her aunts and uncles, often bringing them cookies, taking them to church and out for dinner.  She was especially devoted to her former mother-in-law, Mary P. Russo, during her time in residence at the Getman Home. 

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Mountain Valley Hospice House where Joey received amazing care (mvhcares.org) or to the James Brennan Memorial Humane Society (Igive.com).  In remembrance of Joey, her family hopes that you will be inspired to perform random acts of kindness to those in need.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, Gloversville.

Online condolences may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com

 

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