Obituary of Virginia Russo

On October 14, 2010, we lost our beloved mother, 96 years old, to complications from a recent stroke. Virginia was born to Salvatore and Marietta Russo from Isola de Femine near Palermo, Sicily. Her parents settled in Monterey in 1908. Her father, along with 3 friends from Sicily, pioneered the sardine and anchovy industry in Monterey. As a young girl, Virginia wanted to help her family by working at the Hovden Cannery. After she was married she worked at Garnero?s and Hector De Smets?s bakeries in Pacific Grove. She had married Joseph Martinez from Hollister, Ca. in 1934. They were married for 58 years until Joe?s death in 1992. They had 5 children; Marlene Overson who resides in Morro Bay, Ca., Betty Lindgren who resides in Tempe, Az., Joseph Robert Martinez residing in Salinas, Ca., Rosann Lynch with husband Ron in Monterey, Ca. and Marietta Ayala from Monterey, Ca., deceased 1980. Virginia had 18 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. Virginia had a great sense of humor. She loved to laugh and have a good time. She will be greatly missed by her entire family and everyone who had the pleasure to know her. Her family expresses their gratitude to Virginia?s many loving caregivers; Central Coast Senior Services, VNA Hilltop, Dr. Eliot Light, Dr. Ted Tobey and Dr. Stephen Brabeck. We are forever grateful for Virginia?s long-term in-home caregivers. Thank you so very much Irma, Ross, Cha-cha, Patty, Eva and Antonia. A very special thank you goes out to Miriam and Herman Fickewirth and their wonderful staff at Agape Residential Care Facility in Carmel, Ca. where Virginia enjoyed her last months in beautiful surroundings and total serenity. You will be greatly missed, Virginia. Rest in Peace. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to the donor?s own favorite charity. A memorial service will be held at San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010 at 9:30am.