Anna E. Russo

Anna E. Russo November 22, 1919 October 11, 2013 Portland - Anna E. (Cartonio) Russo (Neff), 93, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, October 11, 2013. She was born in Portland on November 22, 1919, daughter of the late Raphael Cartonio and Felicia (Pasquarelli) Cartonio. Anna attended Portland schools graduating from Portland High School in 1937. She owned and operated a family luncheonette on India Street with her late husband, Alphonse Russo, for over 20 years, leaving to work at Fairchild Semi-Conductor and retired after 25 years. Anna was full of energy and lived a very active life. She was devoted to her family but still found the time to give and care for others, always known to lend a helping hand or provide a meal to anyone in need. Anna was a long time communicant of St. Peter's Catholic Church, attended daily mass and was a lector, was an active member of Sacred Heart Sodality, and Daughters of Isabella. For as long as we can remember, she said the rosary daily and for the past 16 years was part a Thursday night rosary group which she hosted at her home. Anna was active in many organizations throughout her life. She was the President of the Munjoy Hill PTA, Vice President of the Business Women's Republican Club where she hosted many tea's for candidates, including Senator Margaret Chase Smith, with whom she enjoyed a long friendship, Lincoln Club, Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW, weekly Red Cross Volunteer and a member of the Italian Heritage Center. She was one of the "Club Girls" since 1950 where she and her friends met each Monday night at her home to play cards and talk, bowled on the "Foxy Ladies" bowling team and played Beano at St. Pius Church. Anna was a passionate and enthusiastic fan of Portland High School athletics, especially the Boys Basketball team, where her son, Joe is the coach. She was awarded a plaque as "Portland High's Biggest Fan". She made many pasta dinners for the basketball players and any other sports teams that her grandchildren were a part of. Anna's devotion to her family was of utmost importance to her, having weekly Sunday dinners and holiday get-togethers. Christmas Eve was a special time for her and her family enjoying the traditional Italian feast. Her summer cottage on Brandy Pond in Naples, ME provided many fond family memories. Her grandchildren were the sparkle in her eye, never missing the important events in their lives or being there with chicken soup and TLC when they were sick, She made each one of them feel very special. Her great grandchildren loved to entertain her. Anna was predeceased by her husband Alphonse V. Russo, her second husband, Alfred E. Neff and sisters, Phyllis Russo and Mary Amato. She is survived by her cherished family. Children, Ronald Russo, his wife Philomena, Joanne Desjardins, her husband Donald, Mary Taliento, her husband Ronald, Joseph Russo, his wife Donna, Michael Russo, his wife Susan, and Margaret Russo. Stepchildren, Allan Neff, Stephen Neff, his wife Martha of Tennessee and Linda Neff of South Carolina. Her dear Grandchildren, Ron Jr, Dawn Marie, Vincent, Maria, Regina, Gino, Scott, Anthony, Trisha, John, Gabriella, Angela, Keith, Liza and Julie and 18 Great Grandchildren. And her special Niece, Josephine Desarno. The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Dr. Douglas Couper for his many years of care; to caregivers; Karen, Amenda, Angie, Janice and Jeanne, and the staff at Hospice of Southern Maine, especially, Cindy, for their care and friendship. Friends and family are invited to a period of visitation which will be held from 3-8 PM on Wednesday, October 16, at A.T. Hutchins Funeral and Cremation Services, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Thursday October 17, 2013 at 9:00 AM; followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 72 Federal St, Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. To offer condolences and share memories with the family please go to www.athutchins.com In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Anna to: American Red Cross 2401 Congress St. Portland, Maine 04102

Anna E. Russo

November 22, 1919 - October 11, 2013

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