Janet Russo

Janet Russo

July 07, 1922 - May 16, 2017

Obituary

Janet Russo was born Juana Casal Torres on July 7th, 1922 in Vigo, Spain. A year later she crossed the Atlantic by boat with her mother arriving in Ellis Island in June of 1923. Because of this, her name is on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, currently on display in Ellis Island.

She was raised in Brooklyn, New York with her two younger sisters. She attended the advanced high school for girls and always prided herself in her successes at school.

On December 20, 1941 She married Joseph Russo at the South Congregational Church in Brooklyn. They had three children who they raised in New York. On March 29th, 1960, she became an American Citizen, receiving her Certificate of Naturalization. In 1963, she, along with her family moved permanently to Southern California.

She was a true home maker. Not only did she cook traditional Spanish empanadas, she was also an incredible seamstress. She made her and her children’s clothes from studying designer fashions in magazines and replicating them. She had impeccable taste, with her attire and the way she held herself always embodying glamor.

She lived to nearly 95 years old, having never driven a car a day in her life. She loved animals, especially her Siamese cat Sheba.

She is survived by her three children: John Russo, Denise (Sieg) Heep, and Nadyne (Nigel) McClurg; and her grandchild Taylore (Malia) McClurg.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the ASPCA in her name: www.aspca.org.

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9 responses to Janet Russo

  1. 15 files added to the tribute wall

  2. Lit a candle in memory of Janet Russo

  3. Janet Russo lived in a condo across the hall from my sister Marion. She befriended my mother Chris who often visited CA from Nova Scotia. Janet and my mother learned they had allot in common and enjoyed each others company. They both enjoyed cooking, shopping and just being on the go. They always laughed and referred to other people their age as old people. There is some truth to that as both women had high energy and were young beyond their years.
    Janet was an incredible cook and hostess, always classy and well dressed. We all loved her empanadas and cioppino .
    It was sad to watch Janet’s health decline. She was such an active woman and so full of vitality.
    Janet became a part of The Metcalf and Melissa family.
    It is with heartfelt sadness I wish to extend my condolences to Janet’s family and friends.

  4. joan scafuto says:

    “I was not directly related to the Russo family, but I have known them since I was about 4 or 5 years old when we all lived back east. Our parents were good friends, our dads musicians. I still like to think of them as my “extended family” and after moving my family to California in 1978 I was able to re-connect with Nadyne & Nigel, Denise and John and of course Aunt Janet. And I feel very blessed to have been able to visit from time to time and do a little reminiscing with them. Unfortunately Uncle Joe was not around but I adored him as a kid. I remember spending time at their house back east many times and was always in awe of how beautiful Aunt Janet dressed and how her hair and skin reminded me of silk and still to the day I last saw her. I like to think of her as an Oreo cookie….firm, but sweet, on the outer layer and soft and sweet on the inside!! And she did Love her sweets!! To ALL the family please know that she will remain a part of me always and I will miss her. With Love & Prayers….Joanie Scafuto and Family

  5. nadyne says:

    1 file added to the tribute wall

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