Cindy Susan Russo

Cindy Susan Russo received her wings after a 20-year battle with brain cancer. She was a force to be reckoned with. Fighting all of the odds stacked against her, she welcomed God to use her as a vessel with open arms to anyone in need of hope and faith. She was proud to share her testimony of being a medical miracle so that others could have hope. Cindy was loving, kind, compassionate, and stubborn. It was her hard-headedness that showed us what battles are worth fighting while Jesus carries us, and which battles to leave in His hands.

Cindy was not only a loving wife to Joseph Russo Sr., but she was also his best friend. Together, they showed their children what true love not only is, but what it also feels like. Cindy wasn’t just a “homemaker,” she was “home” to many family members and friends. Whether Cindy was sitting on the front porch or in the living room of their dream home, the door was always open. Not only would Cindy open up her home, but she also opened her shoulders, hugs, and big, wet kisses. Despite her battle with cancer, she would find a way to smile, share her words of God and Jesus as our Savior without a complaint. Cindy reminded us that even if we didn’t feel worthy of God’s grace, all we had to do was just pray to Jesus.

Cindy was full of life, determined to stand up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. She would fight for what she believed in without care of judgments from others—for she knew she was a child of God. She showed us what true strength and perseverance are, and that even when we are limited in what we can do, we can still live life to the fullest.

Cindy loved her children unconditionally, always making sure they knew that love may be tough, but it’s the greatest thing worth fighting for. She showed her children how to be independent and own their uniqueness. She was always encouraging them to chase their dreams and to stand up for what they believe in. Cindy’s grandkids were her light and joy. She knew her kids would teach and guide them as she did.

Cindy was a beautiful woman inside as much as she was on the outside. Her soul radiated whether she was in her high heels and dressed fashionably, or casual in a t-shirt and shorts. She shined wherever she was. She had a way of making everything look easy, if you were determined enough. She loved her family and will always be the heart of their home.

Cindy is now shining in the heavens; she is the shooting star we see when she crosses our minds. She is watching over us and will continue to guide and shine. She will forever be in our hearts and in our minds.

Cindy is survived by her loving husband, Joseph Russo Sr.; their four children and six grandkids: Josephine C. Bryan (Porter and AdaBelle), Anna R. Coggeshall (Sam), Cristoforo Russo and Briana O'Dell Russo (Ali and Grant), Joseph Russo Jr. (Noah); her mother, Lucy Peedin Meese; mother-in-law, Josephine L. Russo; and her three sisters and brother. She was preceded in death by her father, Daryl Meese; and her father-in-law, Cristoforo Russo.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, followed by an entombment at Parklawn Memorial Park.

Cindy asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Brain Tumor Research Fun at MCV Foundation, https://www.support.vcu.edu/give