December 25, 1933 — July 18, 2023

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Bambina “Anna” Russo.

Mama Russo was born in Bocchigliero, Cosenza, Italy on December 25, 1933. She was the daughter of Saverio and Rosa Lattanzio. Anna married her husband Giacomo in Paola, Italy. Anna later moved to Trail, BC in 1963. And her husband joined her in 1971.

Anna is survived by her daughter Pina and her grand-puppy Gia.

Anna is preceded in death by her husband Giacomo and in 2021 by her first bundle of cherished joy and happiness Assunta Frances “Susie” Russo.

Throughout Susie’s illness, Anna showed what strength, courage, and love was about. Any life obstacle or challenge that was encountered, Anna always made people feel calm and at ease. Anna’s famous words would always be “Don’t Worry” or “It’s Ok” or the combination of them “Don’t Worry, It’s Ok”.

Anna enjoyed and flourished being Susie’s sidekick. They always could be found on their comfortable couch watching endless hours of Netflix, shopping, or driving around town finding sales and looking for deals.

Anna’s daughters often dragged her on travel adventures until she finally put her foot down. She always ensured her sunglasses were packed for when she hit the beaches. She patiently followed the itineraries of travel without complaint.

Anna loved her restaurant adventures especially the all-you-can-eat buffets. She enjoyed sushi, burgers, east Indian dishes, ice cream and most recently tuna stacks, and tuna poke bowls.

Anna’s pastimes revolved around selfless acts and how family and friends would benefit from them. Her gentle and tender hands would make the best meals, knead the most delicious bread, and grow the tastiest garden vegetables. Anna infused baking with endless love and perfection. As soon as she tied her bandana as a head scarf, it meant she was getting down to business. Her children will always remember the time she spent sewing their clothes and making their birthday cakes. Anna loved making sausage. She could be found mincing and grinding the meat by hand rather than using the machines. This is symbolic of her precision and patience in everything she did.

Anna had an extremely infectious smile and it showed. It was prominent when she was surrounded by the special little people in her life. One of her absolute blessings, her pride and joy in life was Govind. She often could be found elbowing her daughters out of the kitchen to oversee that his pasta was cooked “al dente” and the right amount of salted butter was folded into his pasta. In her last days of life, his tight hugs were her best medicine.

In Anna’s final weeks of life, she was introduced to Ella, Cash, Kaia, and Jude who delivered endless Starbuck drinks, and delicious Mittz Kitchen meals. In a short period of time of knowing them, their connection was as if they had known each other for years.

In addition, Anna had the opportunity to meet both Spencer and Grace and had the opportunity to window wave and blow a sweet kiss to baby Noah. These precious moments brought her so much joy and contentment in her final days.

Anna showed endless love, care, and compassion for all her daughter’s friends that instantly became family. Her gentle motherly hugs were infused with warmth and comfort. Anna was the best landlord one could have, as unpaid rent did not matter if the renters had a roof over their heads and were safe.

Special notable thank-yous to the care aids, health nurses, and the IH case manager Isla who adored and cared for Anna. A warm and sincere thank you also to Aaron (Glovers Pharmacy) who patiently supported and promptly responded to Anna’s needs. Your care, compassion, and love for Anna was notable and will be forever remembered and appreciated. In addition, a big thank you to Shayla, Becky, and Nick who tenderly and softly cared for Anna when assistance and additional support was needed. Neighbours and friends that shared food, took the time to check in, made deliveries or came for visits – a warm heartfelt thank you as well.

As Anna’s wish was to pass at home, the last day and hours of her life were tenderly supported by Rosa, Kasha, Terri, and Isla.

Wishes are to have donations made in the memory of Anna to one of the three listed charities:

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy https://defeatduchenne.ca/join-the-fight/give-a-gift/

Canucks Autism https://www.canucksautism.ca/give-today/

BC Children’s Hospital http://www.bcchildrens.ca/donate

Prayers will be recited on Wednesday July 26, 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart 255 Nicola Street.

Funeral mass will be held on Thursday July 27 @ 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart 255 Nicola Street.

Condolences can be expressed at Schoening Funeral Service.

• Date : 2023-07-18
• Location : Kamloops