My beloved and only sister, Linda, passed away after a brief but tremendous battle following an intracranial hemorrhage. I and my children, and her friends, will deeply miss this loving human being so much. Below is her obituary.
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Linda Dale Russo, 67, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away surrounded by family and friends at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson on September 7, 2021.
Daughter of John and Dale Russo, Linda was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 3, 1953. She grew up surrounded by large and loving extended Russo and Akins families in Cincinnati and Texas. Following graduation in 1973 from Colerain High School, Linda worked as an Executive Assistant for Winegardner & Hammons, Inc., a hotel management company in Cincinnati, before moving in 1977 to Denver, Colorado with lifetime close friend Dora Cartwright. In Denver, Linda worked for the Colorado School of Mines and the Homelite corporation.
Linda moved in 1983 to Tucson, Arizona. She worked many years in commercial construction project management, and then for several different companies in customer service, including Walmart and Convergys. She finished her career working in sales for a national spirits and wine distributor, where she loved calling on and talking with her customers.
Linda adored her friends and family, especially her nieces and nephews. She had an enormous and loyal heart, and was always caring for and comforting her friends, family, and those in need. She was great at both keeping and getting back in touch with people over the years – somehow just when they needed an ear or shoulder to lean on. Linda had a keen memory for small details, especially of those she met and loved, and she rarely let a birthday pass without sending a card and loving wishes. She enjoyed traveling, her Italian ancestry, and animals (especially her cats). Linda will be greatly missed for her contagious giggle, her non-stop chatting, the whacky socks she often sent as gifts, and most importantly, her unconditional love.
Linda is survived by her sister, Becky Russo, and brother-in-law, Jeff Bell; nephew, Nicolas Bell, and his wife, Ann; niece, McClain Herman, and her husband, Tommy; nephew, Evan Bell, and his wife, Josalyn; niece, Olivia; great-nieces, Mary Jo Bell, Grier Bell, and James Herman; beloved cat, Josie; and many other extended family members and dear friends.
Linda’s family and friends will be celebrating Linda’s life in Cincinnati on October 23. Reach out to the family for details. To honor Linda’s memory, her family suggests that you consider donating to The Humane Society or to the SPCA in your community.
