Marianne ("Sissy") Russo was born in Montclair, NJ on October 1, 1943 to her loving parents, Mildred and Angelo Russo. She was one of three children, the sole girl sandwiched between an older brother, Vinnie, and younger brother, Dick. She joked that her mother constantly tried to wash off the bruises she got playing stick ball and other games with her brothers and the boys in the neighborhood.

Sis was lucky to be born into a gigantic extended Italian family, the DiGeronimos and Cestones, and her childhood was happily spent in the company of her many cousins, who were amongst her closest friends. Sunday family dinners easily included fifty people where bowls of pasta were tossed down a long table that spanned two rooms.

She welcomed her sister-in-laws, Jane (Vinnie) and Rosemarie (Dick) into her family with open arms and their children with an open heart.

She was a treasured aunt to David Russo (Suzanne), Michael Russo, Jennifer Nugent (Kevin), Stefani Russo (Josh), Richard Russo (Alison) and great-aunt to all of their children. She had a tremendous impact on all of their lives and they cherished her support and unconditional love.

After graduating Montclair High School, Sis attended Caldwell College and received her teaching certificate. She spent the next forty years working as an elementary school teacher for the East Hanover school system and taught countless children over the course of her career.

Having her family and friends at her house in Point Pleasant was Sis's greatest joy. She loved to share meals, swim in the pool, and walk up to the boardwalk. Sis loved Christmas and showered her family with more gifts than they could ever imagine.

Sis's eternally positive attitude, immense joy for life, and unending love of her family and friends will be missed by all who knew her. Her generosity extended beyond material gifts; she was generous with her time, her spirit, and her love. She will be missed tremendously and will be remembered & loved always.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Shriners Children's Hospital at https://lovetotherescue.org/ or a charity of your choice.