She was born January 16, 1947 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Daniel and Grace Ellis. Mary Lou was a graduate of Little Flower High School, Class of 1964.
She is preceded in death by her sister, Grace Wells, her adoring husband, Joseph Russo and his son, Jimmy Russo. Mary Lou is survived by her five loving children, Matthew (Cathy), Melissa (Bill), Michael (Christie), Michele (Jim), Melinda (Jeff) and her loving stepchildren, Joey, Danielle (Rob), David (Lori), Jessie. She was proud Mom Mom to her beloved grandchildren, Steven (Nicole), John, Matthew, Addison, Delaney, Darby, Rylee, Colin (Jaimie), Macie, Tristan, J.P. (Sam), Lizzy, Danny, Christopher, Conner, Emily, Jeremy, Trevor, Kayla, Alexandra, and her four great grandchildren. Mary Lou was never without her fur baby Tuffy by her side.
Mary Lou was employed throughout her life at Temple Hospital, McDonald’s, Del-Val, Blockbuster, and Silly Willi’s. Her truest and most rewarding occupation was raising her five children, which she excelled at. Her most endearing quality was her selfless love and sacrifice for her children. She created a loving home where her children and their friends were always welcome and frequently gathered.
Mary Lou was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, General Hospital, Barry Manilow, Bruschetta and Amaretto Sours with LOTS OF ICE! As the matriarch of the family, she was one of a kind, known for her talented poetry writing, magical Christmas mornings and her heartwarming laugh. She touched many lives and will be truly missed.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life at James Dougherty Funeral Home 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM. Interment will be private.
Everyone is encouraged to wear their Phillies gear.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to be made to: For Pete’s Sake, Take a Break From Cancer organization https://takeabreakfromcancer.org
