Russo, Mary Domenica

ALBANY-Mary Domenica Russo, 64, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 following a courageous six-year battle with breast cancer.

She was born in Albany, to the late Angelo and Catherine Russo and was a graduate of the former Vincentian Institute. Mary enjoyed a career of more than 30 years with the Albany County Department of Mental Health, retiring in 2009. She was also employed for over twenty years at Sam’s Restaurant.

Mary loved hosting get-togethers, her rescue boxer Maggie, gardening, DIY, the beach, a good glass of wine, and ruffling feathers with healthy political debates. Her life was marked by fierce independence and strength, beating to her own quirky drum, an entertaining sense of humor, playful teasing, love, and activism. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Mary cherished above all, her only child, Katlyn Hayward. Perhaps, though, her greatest blessing was her grandson, Hunter. Also surviving Mary are her siblings Christine Russo Richardson (Jerry Hough) and Stephen Russo (Rt. Rev. Mon. Richard Russo); nephew, Matthew Simons; niece, Madeleine Simons; sisters of her heart, Pattie, Ginger, Susan, and JoAnn; as well as countless other family and friends. In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her brother-in-law, James Richardson, and niece, Alissa Simons.

The family would like to extend their warmest gratitude to the entire staff at New York Oncology and Hematology, especially Dr. Rufus Collea and Andrea Breen, as well as The Community Hospice, for their steadfast care and compassion during Mary’s illness.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 26 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish (formerly St. James), 391 Delaware Ave., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also visit with Mary’s family at the Church from 10-11:00 a.m., prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.