Russo, Teresa
(September 5th, 2024)
Teresa passed away peacefully at the Kootenay Lake Hospital, Nelson, BC on September 5, 2024 (just short of her 94th birthday). Teresa was born on October 17, 1930, in Muro Lucano, Italy to Vincenzo and Maria Lucia (Piccirillo) Lisanti. She was the third of a large and loving family of thirteen children. She married Antonio Russo in 1952 and immigrated to Canada the same year.
Teresa worked alongside her family on their farm near Muro Lucano during her early years in Italy, while also helping raise her younger siblings. In Nelson, BC, Teresa worked as an LPN at Mount Saint Francis Hospital for 35 years. At home, Teresa spent her spare time every summer growing her large garden alongside her husband, Antonio. She also loved to pick huckleberries, make her famous raspberry jam, and can the produce from the garden. She and Antonio loved making their ritual tomato sauce every year. After retirement, she loved her gambling adventure trips with Antonio!
Teresa was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Antonio, Vincenzo, Pietro, Luigi and Gerardo, along with four infants; sisters, Maria Luigi and Faustina.
She is survived by her children, Tonino Russo (Barbara), Maria Campese (Bruno); and her two grandchildren, Matthew Antonio Campese and Michaela Teresa Russo.
She is also survived by her sister, Brigida Tummillo; sisters-in-law Assunta Lisanti and Antoinetta Lisanti, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy.
Teresa was a wonderful, loving and well-loved member of the community, known as the matriarch of her neighbourhood. She had a big heart and made everyone feel loved in her presence and in her home. She had a witty sense of humour, loved to laugh and was very generous to family and friends.
The family would like to thank the paramedics, first responders, and Dr. Sparrow, as well as staff at the Kootenay Lake Hospital for their wonderful care.
Funeral mass will be held on September 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of Mary Immaculate, Nelson, BC. Internment to follow at the Nelson Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation at https://klhf.org/wp/giving/donate-klhf/
