Carmella A. Russo

Gardner - Carmella (Cam) Russo passed away in her home on July 4. Carmella was born on July 25, 1931 in Gardner, Massachusetts,   the daughter of John and Rose (Cosentino) Manca. She graduated from Gardner High School in 1950.  
Carmella loved to cook and spend time with her family and friends.  She kept a beautiful home and loved to entertain family and guests with many enjoyable dinner parties.  She always had nice holidays for her family and friends and truly loved to entertain.  She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren (who affectionately called her Mammy).  
Carmella married the love of her life, John Russo, on August 30, 1952, and enjoyed 70 years of marriage. Carmella and her husband John made several trips to Italy throughout the years and truly loved the home of their ancestors.   Carmella and John’s home was always open to the many family and friends who would visit on a regular basis. They had a great community in Gardner and lots of connections, friendships, and support over the years from many special people.
After her children were grown, Carmella worked at the Gardner VNA for several years as a Certified Nursing Assistant and provided good, loving care to her many patients.  She very much enjoyed the nursing field and taking care of people.  
Carmella is survived by her three children, Peter Russo and his wife Donna of Gardner, Maria Russo-Mitchell of Newburyport, and John Russo and his wife Kimberly, of Westminster, her grandchildren, Robin Mitchell of London England, Rebecca Russo of Boulder Colorado, Emily Mitchell of Brooklyn New York, Nicholas Russo of Gardner, Sara Russo, Samuel Russo, and Sophie Russo, all of Westminster, her sisters, Louise McGuire and Rosemarie Floria, both of Gardner, her brothers, Charles Manca and John Manca, both of Gardner, as well as many nieces,  nephews, cousins and friends.  She was predeceased by her husband John and by her granddaughter, Laurie Regan.
Cam enjoyed the time spent with her loving and supportive healthcare workers who helped enhance the quality of her life as she lived out her days in her home.  They were a group of amazing women who supported her in every way, including taking her out on adventures like shopping, the casino, and out to lunch.  They brought light, joy, laughter, and peace into the house. Cam shared a special bond with her caretakers and we are grateful to all of them for their care, love, and devotion.    
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 12:30 pm at Holy Spirit Church 50 Lovewell St Gardner. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Gardner. Calling hours are scheduled for Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 2-4 pm at Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central Street Gardner.  

In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation in her honor to the St. Jude’s Research Hospital for Children, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38105, or Boston Children’s Hospital Trust 401 Park Drive Suite 602 Boston, MA 02215.

To leave an online condolence please visit, www.mackfamilyfh.com.

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.
Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.