Ms. Russo was hands down my favorite teacher! I graduated in the class of 2000 and she was my History teacher. I also took an elective class with her. She made high school so great for me. The love and kindness that she showed me resonates with me over 20 years later. She was a wonderful teacher and an angel of a person. She recently popped in my mind only to see she is now one of God's angels. There will never be another Ms. Russo. I hope she knew the impact she had on her students lives!

My condolences to the family 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾( excellent history teacher at Mervo)

She was beautiful woman.  I couldn’t wait to get to school because she was such a kind and caring educator. Sending warm condolences to the entire Russo family at this difficult time. Rev. 21:3,4
Lenora B.

Ms.Russo was my elementary and middle school librarian. She is someone I have never forgotten, as she made the best brownies and always made me feel as if I was enough. She is one of the teachers that stood out to me the most during my entire education. She gave me a necklace on my 8th grade graduation that had a small diamond on it, along with my initial. I am 23 and I still have the necklace and cherish it. I am very sad learning about her passing and I am sending so much love to her family. I hadn't seen her in a long time and always wanted to find her again and let her know that I was doing ok.  I know she is in a better place, she was an amazing person who had a long lasting impact on someone who needed support. She had no idea what I was going through and I wish I could thank her for being there for me when I was a child. I also remember that she was the only person who didn't accuse me of pretending to read books, as I have always been a speed reader and most people didn't believe how quickly I could actually read. That has also stuck with me throughout my whole life.  I hope she is resting in peace. love you ms.russo

Mrs. Russo was my favorite teacher!! She understood me and never talked down to me! Class of 1977 

To the family of Mrs. Russo. She was my teacher at Mervo from 1983-1987. She was not one of my favorites she WAS my favorite. She ALWAYS had a special place in her heart for me she helped me with many personal issues not just school. 

I remember also one time I earned a certificate in her class,  when she handed it to me she said “make sure to see me at the end of the day I will have a new certificate for you” I said, why? She said “I accidentally spelled your name wrong” she had written Marty and it’s Martie, I said it don’t matter it’s still my name, her response which I live by today  was “if it’s spelled wrong, it’s not your name”!

God Speed Ms. Bonnie you was loved by me for sure. I am very sorry to the family for such a great loss 

One of the finest teachers ever.  Her selfless dedication to her students will be her legacy.  Godspeed, Miss Russo.

A very nice person and very pleasant but never forget her smiles. 

She was such a joy to the Mervo Family. 

The Class of 1980 sends their condolences to her family and friends.  

Peace and Blessings Always,
Mustang forever.
Alumnus  


I no longer do Facebook but I did today. This lady right here helped me to gather the courage and skill to publicly speak today. I was assigned to her Leadership Class in high school Mergenthaler years ago did want to take it and didn't know why I had to. She changed many of my thoughts of limitations which changed my life. Im saddened to hear of her passing. Thank God for the gift of memory because I will never forget her...eternally grateful.  As she would often say " Come now Edward Parham you are so special " Rest on Mrs. Russo, Rest On!

I do believe this is "Mrs. Russo" my teacher from Mervo in the 80's. If it is I need to share that she was one of my FAVORITE. To this day I think of her and remember her kindness. I wrote her a sympathy card when her Dad passed with some fun words about Italians and the mafia in Heaven. She gave me encouraging words when I accidentally got pregnant in my senior year but lost the child. I STILL graduated as a Top Scholar which Mrs. Russo was very Proud of me for overcoming the tragedy and maintaining my education.
Please let me know if this is the same Mrs. Russo as I know many of her students would like to know and share too.
Daisy Sudano

I am very saddened about the sudden passing of Bonnie Russo. Bonnie and I attended IND High School in the same class. After college we taught in Baltimore City schools. Bonnie was revered at Mergenthaler High School where she taught for years. After she retired, she assisted in many ways at St. Michael Elementary School where she was again revered. If anyone in her life needed help, Bonnie was right there often assisted by her sister, Terry. I will miss them both. I want to express my deepest sympathy to Terry and the entire Russo Family. 

Terry - I was shocked and saddened to read about Bonnie in last week's newspaper. My heart goes out to you and your brothers. I would very much like to know of Bonnie's funeral arrangements. Could you email me at grayjackiem@comcast.net? Thanks. Jackie Fogerty Gray


R.I.P Mrs. Russo sending my  prayers and condolences to the family 💐🙏🏾

Ms. Bonnie was amazing! I loved seeing her coming into Redner’s to get her steps in. She was always bubbly and so sweet! She knew how to make everyone around her feel special! Her pound cake had love mixed into it! I’m so glad to have gotten a hug from her last week and a nice talk. Her words of encouragement were the best! What an amazing and kind soul! She truly made this world a better place! Condolences to her family, students, and friends! 

Bonnie was a dear friend and mentor. We worked at Mergenthaler until she retired. Her dedication and love for teaching are the hallmatk of service to the youth in Baltimore City.  My prayers and condolences go to the Russo family. May you have a faith that sustains and love that unites.

Deborah Hamlette

My mother, Phyllis Stilson, and sister , Beth Maercklein (Stilson) are both correct… Bonnie was a great friend and she truly was family to us Stilson’s here in Colorado.
Bonnie was a very special person sharing her love with everyone she knew. I will miss Bonnie’s laughter, her love, her caring words, het hugs, her cards of caring, support and concern and her cookies. 
I wish, like many, that my wife, Tammy, and I had gotten to spend more time with her. She will be missed dearly.
I love you, nana Bon!

My heartfelt condolences to her immediate family; Nick, Terry and Joe.

I know that everyone says that words cannot express the great loss that we have all feel in losing Bonnie. My family and I have a great deal of memories to help us get thru this time, but, they cannot replace the 2 hour long weekly phone calls or the 2 pages of texts received 2 to 3 times a week from Bonnie keeping me updated on everything that was happening in her life and in Baltimore. Although we do not live in Maryland, Bonnie was very close to my whole family. She was always “Nana Bon” to my kids and grandkids. And they are right, there are no words.

Bonnie with her Colorado “family” 2001

Extending prayers to the family and friends of Ms. Bonnie Russo. She was my American Government teacher at Mergenthaler.  One of the kindest educators that I've ever met and she was also my neighbor. :)  Such a beautiful light that will be missed sorely.  

Damita H. 
Mergenthaler, Class of 1996

Ms. Russo was the Librarian at STA, and I remember her being a happy and smiling person. She always brightened our day, was always kind, and I gotta admit, her brownies were my absolute favorite. I was sad when I graduated, even more sad when STA closed down and I couldn’t visit with her anymore. May she Rest In Peace.

My heart is broken. Bonnie was my godmother and a second mom to me.  I’ve been on so many adventures with her and unfortunately with stupid Covid, I had not seen her in person for over 3 years since I live in Texas.  I cannot imagine a world without her in it! I will miss her text messages, and her cards of encouragement she sent to me and my entire family.  My sympathies to Nick, Terry, and Joe.  

Ms. Russo was my 11th grade "Leadership Seminar" teacher. I also worked with her on student council. There are teachers, then there are great teachers. Ms. Russo was one of the great ones. 
RIP Bonnie. At 84 I figure I can call you that. 

The shock of Bonnie's death is still reverberating with Jim and me.  We can only imagine how much the suddenness impacted Terry and the rest of her family. Bonnie was an exceptional person and an outstanding teacher.  I once went to a party where a younger man was praising his high school teacher; when I questioned him, I discovered he was talking about Bonnie.  We had planned to have lunch this summer, and I was waiting for some cooler weather.  I will miss her.  Alta Haywood

A few years ago I was in the market shopping with my son, then 4 or 5 at the time, and we ran into Mrs Russo. I was so excited to introduce my son to one of my favorite teachers in high school. I hugged her and she spoke with him (and she remembered me 😩), we talked for a few minutes and the whole time I was grinning from ear to ear. As we were speaking, a man who overheard us talking chimed in and said, "you must have been a great teacher, to have your students still so excited to see you after so many years. Thats rare and commendable. "  

Ms Russo, I still carry some of the things you taught us in psychology and American gov't with me to this day. I am so thankful that I got the chance to give you your flowers while you were still here.....Thank you for being you. 

You will be sorely missed, and job well done. 
Love you Ms Russo!!!!! 

Ebone Marlowe, Mervo, Class of 2000 

Ms. Russo was the best teacher at Mervo. She cared about her students and wanted us to succeed. She would be proud of us my husband and I were both students of hers. She was a pillar in the Mervo community. My condolences to the family. 

George and Lititca Brown 

I’m am saddened to hear of Ms. Russo passing. She was one of my favorite teachers at Mervo. She taught American Government/Social Studies in my 9th grade year (1988). I still have all of her awards I received each quarter… she helped me love the study of American GOVT. and beyond! She was a phenomenal teacher and inspirer to so many young people like myself at the time. Passionate and dedicated to her craft as an educator. I remember coming back to Mervo on a few occasions once I entered in my career and talking with her students and her about my journey. She shared with me many times that she was so proud of the young man I had become. I thanked her for her guidance and mentorship along the way. A true trailblazer and mentor! 

May she rest in eternal peace with the father. Job well done Ms. Russo! 

Tavon Claggett Mervo  c/o ‘92

To Bonnie’s family:  I’m sending prayers and condolences to you at this challenging time.  I was a colleague with Bonnie for several years at MERVO.

Ms Russo was one of my favorite teachers, I am beyond thankful to have had such a wonderful person to teach me. Not only was she an amazing person she made the best brownies ever may you Rest In Peace Ms Russo.
Keona  Mervo2 c/o 2002


Ms. Russo taught Leadership class, c/o 76.  Excellent teacher who engaged everyone.  Wonderful memories.  Peace and comfort to her family and friends. 

This is such a devastating loss. I remember in high school choosing psychology as an elective just to have Ms. Russo as a teacher. She was ALWAYS so bubbly and engaging, like she never had a bad day. That is something you don’t see in educators often. I also remember seeing Ms. Russo in the news a few years back as someone left a baby at her doorstep! She was such a light who touched the hearts of so many. Rest in eternal paradise 🕊 

Sending much luv and prayers to her family. I met her at mervo c/o 2000. She was such a sweet great yet firm woman and teacher that stood for luv n respect. 

So sad to hear of Ms Russo passing I was a student of hers back in 1990 to 1994.  she was such a kind hearted teacher friend  and leader .  She poured  her heart into her students and cared for each and everyone  of us.  I can still remember  when I told her of my pregnancy  at the age of 17.  She never judged  me nor said  any such negative.   always there to answer my questions  and do her best to keep me on task with my work.  RIP Sweet  Friend.   You have  surely  left nothing  less then a possive role model  that you were.  

Condolences to the family. Ms. Russo has touched the lives of so many of her students in the most rewarding ways. She's the Greatest teacher to ever grace my presence. One of the few who could get me interested enough to try to my fullest ability. She was energetic, empathetic, educated. & charming. Literally loved having her as part of my life. Thank you for sharing her with all of us! 

So sorry to hear of Ms. Russo’s passing. She made the BEST pound cake and brownies and was one of the kindest people I’ve met. She will be missed. 

One of my favorite Mervo teachers and she always would say I was the favorite in her class. Whenever we played Jeopardy in class she would never call on me to answer when my hand was raised but I would always be called on when no one else knew because she knew I had the answer. RIP Mrs. Russo

Ms. Russo was my history teacher in 10th grade at Mervo in 1987.  She was my absolute favorite teacher.  I remember her helpful tips and games for test prep.  ALL teachers should have been required to watch her teach.  Every student was engaged and looked forward to her class.  I want her family to know that she touched a great number of people.   She was a class teacher and will be greatly missed.  She is irreplaceable.

Speaking as her self-titled favorite student, Mrs. Russo was such a wonderful and caring teacher.   I miss her brownies to this day.  I can only imagine how much love she gave her family and friends. Please accept my deepest condolences. 

Miss. Russo was my History teacher for Class of 84. Great instructor. 

She was never actually  my teacher but,  she was truly a wonderful teacher. I talked to her daily every chance I could.  Then I took my son to see her when he went to mervo.  My prayers go out to you and family for your loss.   Miss Russo was and always will be a cherushed soul  to all whom she touched with her wisdom  

Bonnie was a dear friend and fellow teacher at Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School.  She was a dynamic teacher who gave all she had to her students … she loved them. She was a real sweetheart and shared her knowledge with colleagues.  We saw each other a couple years ago at an event for our former MERVO student Alicia Wilson. Bonnie will be missed.  
Laura Phillips Byrd

Ms. Russo was one of the best History teachers. She was compassionate, caring person. She will be truly missed. Fly high Ms. Russo! ❤️❤️

Ms Russo was an exceptional teacher who was engaging and made learning fun. My condolences to her family and friends. Revelation 21:4

My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family. She encouraged me to continue to excel and she was one of my favorite teachers at Mervo. Rest In Peace beautiful lady. You will be sorely missed. 🙏🏽 —Brenda, Class of 1981

Mrs. Russo was my government teacher in high school.  I could tell she really loved teaching by how she engaged with the students.  Her class was never boring and I really felt like she cared about her students.  In this perceived loss, I only see what humanity has gained as we celebrate the life of one who dedicated her time, energy and life-force to the advancement of the human race.  We are grateful for her service, and may her legacy and lineage live forever in the hearts and memories of the students she touched. Thank you Mrs. Russo! You are apprecaited!!!💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

Everyone has a favorite teacher. In high school. Ms. Russo was mine.  She knew how to make history interesting.  
I last saw her at the All Years Reunion.  It was like no time had passed.  She was just as as bubbly and engaging as I remembered.
Condolences to her friends & family.

Man so sorry to hear about this. Ms. Russo had a heart of GOLD. She was loved throughout MERVO. My favorite teacher and may your forever teach in heaven. 

My heart is saddened to hear that one of my favorite teachers has passed. She was so loving by her students as long as you spelled Virginia correctly 🤣🤣🤣. The world lost a great one, you will be missed by everyone you shined your light on. Thank you for being my teacher. 

Ms. Russo was the best teacher I had at Mervo.  I learned so much from her over the years like study habits, debating and giving speeches in leadership class. I used those same skills in college and it made it just that much easier to adapt quickly and be successful. Thanks Ms. Russo for all that you have done. Kevin Etheridge Mervo 82!

Miss Russo was one of the best teachers I have ever had. I was blessed to have her as a home room and US History teacher. She made learning fun especially with her Jeopardy game. My heartfelt condolences to the family. 
Former student Mary Topi nee Smith

Sending my condolences she was exllecent teacher. Sge was so nice and sweet class of 98

She was by far the most inspiring Teacher that I ever had. She was the teacher that pushed me towards college. That may not sound impressive, but in a Vocational HS it meant alot. Her Leadership class was the best class that I ever took. She said years after I graduated , that she remembered my speech on weight lifting, because of the broken tile on the floor after I dropped the weights. 
She inspired me, and hundreds and hundreds of others. 
RIP Ms Russo. Love and thanks from Leroy Coleman

Bonnie was one of a kind.  She knew me all my life.  Her family and my mom’s family knew each and we all grew up together.  She was always there with a kind word, gentle hug or just one of her big smiles.  I will always remember the laughs we shared playing games, the trips we took, and the laughs at bingo and the Hair Haven.  I think I will miss the many cards she sent with a sweet messages for any and all occasions.  Also going to miss the brownies, cookies and cakes…

God has a very very special person who is now baking brownies and playing bingo.  And we have a very special angel looking over us….I know we will see each other again so until then rest easy…😘♥️

Ms. Russo was an exceptional teacher, mentor, encourager and friend to the students and staff at Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School (MERVO). A life well lived.💝
MARTHA FOSTER, "Class of  1980"

I am a graduate of Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School "Mervo" class of 1990. Miss Russo was my 10th grade U.S. History teacher. I absolutely loved her and that class. She opened my eyes to so much information that I didn't know. Her room was so inviting and she was always so cheerful, engaging, and eager to teach us. After graduation, I would see her from time to time, mainly when I worked at the  Morris A. Mechanic Theater. She would come to see the shows and we'd chat for a while during intermission. I haven't seen her in years, but I'd think about her when certain topics came up on  U.S. History programs that I watch from time to time. I am now 50 years old and going into my 26th year of teaching for Baltimore City Public Schools. Whenever my students ask me who my favorite teacher was when I was a kid, I always tell them it was Miss Russo. There are a few runner ups, but Miss Russo is at the top.  I was so saddened to hear about her recent passing. I have nothing but fond memories of her and I thank her for being such an inspiring teacher and nice person. May she rest in peace. 

Ms. Russo was my psychology teacher and I was miss her and she is thr reason I wanted to learn more about the mind. Rip Ms.Russo 

Rekeia Lovelace 

Awwww Ms. Russo Was One Of The Most Sweetest Teachers Ever!!! Rest Peacefully Beautiful. Mervo High School C/O 1999. 

Bonnie was a loving generous friend and mentor.  Growing up she and my sister made me play school with them,  (Probably why we all became teachers.)
I will always remember our many summer trips.  The one to Florida where she nicknamed me Scout, whale watching in Maine, and getting soaked by Old Faithful in Yellowstone. But especially finding "Elvis" in the Pacific Northwest.
In later years Bonnie volunteered in my elementary classroom.  The children loved her brownies and her bingo games where everyone was a winner.  I will never forget her appearing as the President during our dinosaur unit.
Bonnie, I will miss your kindness, your laughter,  and your comforting words.  Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Ms. Russo was one of my favorite teachers at Mervo.  She made the transition into high school an easy one.  Fly high and hug my son for me.  

To the Russo Family, You have our deepest condolences. Ms Russo is very special to our family because she is the reason we have one. Ms Russo intentionally placed my husband and I next to one another in her class over 30 years ago. She brought out the best in us as well as taught us lessons that lasted beyond those four walls. For that, we Thank You, in sharing someone so dear to your heart with us.
The Lewis Family

Ms. Russo really made school & learning fun. She was one of the best educators to walk the halls of Mervo. RIP

     Bonnie and I were friends since childhood.  Her father's family and my mother's family were friends.  We grew up across the alley from each other.  We played hopscotch in the alley and roller skated down Port St.  On my first day of school my grandfather walked us both to school and told them Bonnie went in second grade and I was to go in first.  They made a mistake and put us both in second.  I was totally lost and Bonnie kept telling the teacher I was in the wrong grade.  Finally she listened to her and moved me.  We stayed friends in elementary school, drifted apart when we went to different high schools and got back together when we both started teaching in Baltimore City Public Schools.  Bonnie was always a warm, caring friend, ready to help anyone in any way. I will miss her friendship, her cards and of course her famous brownies.  I am so sorry we never got to make that trip to Graceland that she always talked about.  A mutual friend suggested that we get together soon, swap stories  about Bonnie and raise a brownie in her honor.  I will truly miss my friend!
Sharon

I had Ms. Russo in the 9th grade as a teacher at Mervo in 1990-91 condolences to her family she was extremely nice and my favorite teacher at that school 

Ms. Russo was a beautiful soul inside and out. She retired but came to work for St Thomas Aquinas as the librarian. Her energy and kindness had all the kids loving her. She was the librarian for all three of my kids. I also volunteered with her on many school functions. Never saw her without a big welcoming smile. My oldest Abbie said “ She would have the kids stand up and give them compliments. She told mine she was bubbly.” She has carried that with her as she enters her third year of college. The little things we say to kids goes a long way. Truly a wonderful soul gone too soon. Hugs to the family . Especially Ms Terry who would accompany Ms Russo . A dynamic duo. 

Ms. Russo was my psychology teacher at Mergenthaler high school.  She taught us in class life is like a roller coaster.  She said Once you get on hold on tight and take all the twists and turns and things would always work out.  And she (for me) was 100% right.  I was fortunate to meet up with her at St. Thomas Aquanas where she was working as the librarian.  Reconnecting later in my life after I had married and had children was a very special moment I got to share with her that what she taught me in class is so true and I was always holding on tight to the roller coaster ride.  God has a very special Angel now and I will never forget her many lessons.  Class of 1983  Sharon Montgomery Wartman 🙏♥️

God must have needed a working angel, and He realized Bonnie was a good bet.  She was all about helping everyone but herself, and as far as I know, she was beloved by everyone who knew her.
Memories?  There are so many but the one I remember quickest is a night we were playing games with our mutual friend Elsie.  It got to be after midnight, and Elsie had fallen asleep at the table. So, we quietly got our things together and left.  Not sure when Elsie every figured it out!


I knew Bonnie from the Ateaze Senior Center and I told her about the great Zumba class Katie Grutz was teaching at the Edgemere center.  She eventually joined us at Edgemere and we all developed a very close relationship.  She was a friend to all and always baked brownies for everyone   She was a true friend and confidant.  I feel so badly that she passed away.  

BONNIE  WAS THE BEST OF THE BEST - ALWAYS DOING FOR OTHERS -WE KNOW STAN IS HAPPY NOW - HE HAS OUR BROWNIE LADY -AND WE ARE LEFT ALONE WITH OUR WONDERFUL  MEMORIES -GOD TOOK OUR BEST   - ALMA AND RON KENDALL 

She was a sweet, kind and beautiful person. I always enjoyed seeing her big smile at STA. My children loved her brownies and when she hosted bingo! May she Rest In Peace in paradise. 

Bonnie was always a bright light for me before, during and after COVID sending me uplifting cards and supportive emails.  I will truly miss her.  She was a loving, caring and unique person.  I am proud to have know her and called her my friend.
Grace

Bonnie was such a wonderful. thoughtful and caring person. She always had such a positive outlook on life, no matter what she had to deal with. It was devastating to hear the sad news. I first met her at WW and have only known her for a couple of years, but I feel like I’ve known her forever, with her outgoing and friendly personality. She will truly be missed. Rest In Peace, Bonnie🙏💖🙏.      

Bonnie, 
Words cannot express the loss I felt on your passing. You were one of the kindest people I have ever met. We met at WW and oh, the fun our little group had. You were always there for everyone. You always had a kind word, a card, and sometimes it was just your smile. You could always be counted on to talk about a study you may have read about or tell us a quote. I admired your ability to journal, something I have tried and failed at miserably ;-)! 
You will be sorely missed but I know that you are now in God's hands. 
Barb Holicky

Heartbroken,  I will miss Bonnie's wonderful personality and her words of wisdom. She was a very special lady and will be missed 😢 💔 always.

This is unbelievable!!!!  I'm so sorry for her family.  She was surely a gem and will be so  missed.

Zumba sister Jo

I will miss Bonnie’s giving spirit and positive outlook…and the goodies she always brought to Annunciation bingo. ♥️

I was lucky enough to meet Bonnie a few years ago at the Edgemere Senior Center. She had enough love, intelligence, personality and kindness for 12 people. We became good friends, especially over the pandemic years. We lovingly called her Brownie Bonnie because she made thousands of brownies that were so delicious as well as thumbprint cookies. I have no doubt that she and her friend Stan are dancing right now. I will never forget either one of you. You both brought love and joy into this world.

I was lucky enough to meet Bonnie a few years ago at the Edgemere Senior Center. She had enough love, intelligence, personality and kindness for 12 people. We became good friends, especially over the pandemic years. We lovingly called her Brownie Bonnie because she made thousands of brownies that were so delicious as well as thumbprint cookies. I have no doubt that she and her friend Stan are dancing right now. I will never forget either one of you. You both brought joy into this world.
Gloria Strasbaugh

OBITUARY

Barbara "Bonnie" Russo

July 11, 1948 – August 17, 2022

Schimunek Funeral Home

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