Brenda Ann Russo

Brenda Ann Russo, 85, of Sun City, Bluffton, South Carolina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and love, on November 14, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and dear friend to many, Brenda will be remembered for her warmth, laughter, and the loving energy she shared with all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Born on July 15, 1940, Brenda grew up in Tamaqua, PA before moving to Philadelphia during her high school years. Shortly after graduation, she began her career at Eastern Airlines, making a decision that would change her life forever. It was there that she met the love of her life, Vincent Russo. The two shared an instant connection built on friendship, laughter, and adventure. They married on May 18, 1963, beginning a remarkable partnership that lasted a lifetime.

Brenda’s home was always full of love, laughter, and the joy that came from raising her daughters, Vicki and Michelle. She thrived as the heart of her family’s world, hosting holidays, birthdays, and countless afternoons of tea or “wine time,” turning each gathering into treasured memories for family and friends. Together, Brenda and Vince enjoyed an active social life and countless adventures—Brenda especially cherished trips to Italy, Hawaii (by plane and cruise), big family summer vacations in Wildwood, reunion picnics, seeing Frank Sinatra, theatre shows from Broadway to Walnut Street, and the city’s annual holiday light shows at Wanamaker’s. Yet, no matter where she went, family remained the center of her life. She was happiest surrounded by her children and grandchildren, reading stories, cooking favorite recipes, and playing games late into the evening. Everyone who knew her will remember how she never missed a celebration or a chance to bring people together. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her heart always welcoming.

When Vince retired in 2006, the couple embarked on a new chapter, moving to Sun City Hilton Head in South Carolina. There, Brenda embraced the vibrant community life with enthusiasm. She became an active member of numerous clubs and made lasting friendships—especially among her neighbors on Amaryllis Lane, who became like family. A lifelong learner with a curious mind, Brenda was an avid reader and a master of language, known for completing New York Times crosswords, sudoku, and word games with remarkable speed and skill. She was also a talented jewelry maker and enjoyed sharing the pieces she created with family and friends. Her love of reading, travel, wine, and creativity added joy and richness to her days.

Brenda will be remembered as warm, welcoming, dependable, and deeply loving—a woman whose laughter could brighten any room and whose kindness could comfort any heart. To her family and friends, she was more than a mother, grandmother, or companion; she was the steady, joyful presence that made every gathering more special and every memory more meaningful.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vincent Russo. Brenda leaves her children to cherish her memory, Vicki Weaver (Randy) and Michelle Wansink (John), along with her grandchildren Megan, Kayla, Mitch, Leah, Johnny, and Daniel, and her great-grandson “Tony,” who will continue to carry forward her legacy of love, laughter, and generosity. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Hammer, her brother Robert Bonner, and their large and loving families, all of whom will remember her warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family.

Friends and neighbors will be invited to gather together in South Carolina to celebrate Brenda’s life and share memories of a woman whose heart and spirit brightened every room she entered. In addition, a family Celebration of Life will be held in Pennsylvania at a later date, honoring her roots and the many loved ones who cherish her there.

Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in the joy she brought to every occasion and in the hearts of those she touched. Brenda’s remarkable life leaves behind an enduring legacy of love and friendship that will never fade.

As a long time church member, the family is requesting that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Telford, PA.