Obituaries

RUSSO, Armerinda

March 1, 1932 - November 27, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving mother, Armerinda Russo, daughter of the late Antonio and Gilda Pucci. She is predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Amedeo Russo (d. 2010); her son-in-law, Giuseppe (Joe) Iafrancesco (d. 2018); and grandson, Nicholas Witzke (d. 2021). She is survived by her seven children: Bianca Iafrancesco, Lucia (Rudy) Litz, Florinda (Israel) Salas Barquero, Rita (Kevin) Witzke, Franco (Valita) Russo, Erminia (Noel) Thorpe and Settimio (Carolyn) Russo; her 15 grandchildren: Tracy (Alden) Litz, Ryan (Stacy) Litz, Andrea (Sean) Litz, Francesca Salas, Rebeca (Geoff) Salas, Karli (Lukas) Holy, Justine (Mike) Powar, Andrew (Tyanna) Russo, Eric and Tiana Russo, Emma and Peyton Thorpe, Sophia, Jake and Noah Russo; 12 great-grandchildren; her brothers Florindo (Anna) Pucci and Salvatore (Maria) Pucci, and sisters Maria Berardelli and Ida Pucci; sister-in-law Ida Russo; and many other extended family members.

In 1957, Armerinda and her two young daughters left their small village in Cleto, Cosenza, Italy and set sail across the Atlantic, landing at Ellis Island, New York. From there they travelled across Canada by rail to eventually arrive at their new home in Kelowna, BC. Her husband, Amedeo Russo, who came to Canada two years prior, had prepared for their reunion. Together they worked hard, raised their family and Armerinda was able to live happily in her own home until her remaining years.

Armerinda was a loving mother who always put her family first. After spending many years dedicating her life to raising her children, she eventually worked outside the home, mostly in the hotel industry. Armerinda loved to garden, crochet, read, bake bread, cook and learn about new things. One could never leave her house without having something to eat or drink. After retirement, Armerinda and Amedeo owned and operated their vegetable stand on Casorso Road. She continued to garden up until her 90th year, giving careful attention to her tomatoes and beans. Being extremely proud of their Italian heritage and as original members of the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club, Armerinda and Amedeo also enjoyed attending the many events.

Armerinda lived her life with fierce independence and sense of humour. Our matriarch, whose legacy of love and commitment to family, will live on in the generations of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The children of Armerinda Russo extend immeasurable gratitude to Dr. Alexandra Thomson for her wonderful care over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, www.kghfoundation.com.

A Prayer service will be recited on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at 6:00 pm, at Immaculate Conception Church (839 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC). Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 5, 2022, 10:00 am, also at Immaculate Conception.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting her obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com (or click the direct link with her name in it, just below).

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/russo-armerinda

Condolence Messages

Dec 16, 2022
Our deepest condolences in the passing of your mom. I remember her to be so kind and gentle and of course so hard working. We remember her well from years ago from the italian club especially the Christmas parties.

Bianca,Pietro and Marino Calissi - Bianca
Dec 12, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the Russo family on your great loss of your loving mother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time of sorrow. Maria and Tony Racano.
Dec 10, 2022
To Kevin and the whole family, Armerinda sounds like a wonderful, caring and giving person..

All the best to all of you and the extended family.

Dennis Semeniuk - Dennis Semeniuk
Dec 06, 2022
Dear Bianca and Russo Family

My heartfelt Condolences to each of you on your loss of your Mom, Grandma,and Great grandma. Thoughts and Prayers during this very difficult time. May you find comfort as you cherish the memories. -Lorraine Zaryski nee Bossio.
Dec 05, 2022
Frank, Valita and family. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Deepest condolences. Teresa
Dec 05, 2022
Dear Bianca and Russo Family:

Heartfelt Condolences on the passing of your Mother, Armerinda. May the special memories that are etched onto each of your hearts provide comfort as you mourn her passing. Sending thoughts and prayers.

" Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we touch" Judy Blume

Sentite Condoglianze - Riposa in Pace Armerinda. - Anna Vigilante
Dec 05, 2022
Russo family, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. - Rose Goulet (Bruno)
Dec 04, 2022
Sorry for your loss. Your in my heart and prayers.

Alice Zimmer (Clark) -
Dec 04, 2022
We are sorry for your family’s loss of Armerinda. May she R.I.P. - Allan and Donna Francescutti
Dec 04, 2022
Army, we are so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Take comfort in your family and know we are thinking about you all.

Much Love,

Kathy & Tim & Will - Kathy Tough
Dec 04, 2022
Sending our condolences for your loss and prayers to all members of the family

Mr Tinto, Mrs Tinto and Diana Markewich - Diana Markewich
Dec 04, 2022
Lucy and Rudy and all your family, I’m very sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences. Mark Rogers and Maureen Bencze - Mark Rogers
Dec 04, 2022
To all the Russo Families, sorry for your loss, Armerinda was a Beautiful soul, and served everyone with kindness, love and respect. Her Spirits will live on in the hearts she touched, may you Love and Cherish her Beautiful Memories Forever. May she R.I.P.

Marlene Kish

- Marlene Kish
Dec 03, 2022
Sorry for the loss of your mom

Love Lina & Roger Borrett - lina&roger borrett
Dec 03, 2022
We are so sad to hear of the passing of a beloved mother, grandmother & great grandmother. May the many memories that you made together help you through your grief. We know that she will be missed dearly. Hugs…Bev & Dean Majewski - Bev Majewski
Dec 03, 2022
So sorry Frank, Valita and family. The loss of a Mom is very hard indeed. Sending my condolences to all. Linda Cichon - Linda Cichon
Dec 03, 2022
Bianca & Lucy, So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Robert & Carnation St. Amand - Carnation St. Amand
Dec 03, 2022
Lucy, Rudy and family, so very sorry for your loss. we can only wish our legacies are even a fraction of this fine hard working lady. only great memories of Canadian Italian club functions at Capri hotel. God rest your soul Armarinda Dale and Diane Wittich - Dale Wittich
Dec 03, 2022
Condolences to the Russo family. It's hard losing your mother. So sorry for your loss.

Bart Dorssers - Bart Dorssers
Dec 02, 2022
Dear Bianca, Rita and family,

I am so sorry to hear of your moms passing. Sending you so much love and support at this time. Xoxo

Melina and Dave Moran
Dec 02, 2022
Bianca, so sorry to hear about your mom. My condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Mary Comper
Dec 02, 2022
Bianca, Lucy and all the family. Our deepest condolences on the passing of your

mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Attilio and Josefina Gemin- Rita Gemin - Attilio Gemin
Dec 02, 2022
Heartfelt thoughts go out to the Russo family in this time of sorrow. - Tony and Doreen Bruno
Dec 02, 2022
Frank, Valita and family so sorry for your loss, our condolences to you all.

Brian and Angie Neigum - Angie Neigum
Dec 02, 2022
Our hearts go out to all of you at this sad time.

Kevin and Josie Hagglund - josie hagglund
Dec 02, 2022
Prayers goes out to your family . - Shirley Regan
Dec 02, 2022
Bianca, we are sorry for your great loss. Your Mom was a wonderful person. We offer our deepest condolences. Lynda & Don Grant
Dec 02, 2022
Rita, and family, our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Mom, while we never had the pleasure of meeting her she sounded like an amazing person, love to you all.......Sheldon and Helen - The Sherman's
Dec 01, 2022
Deepest Condolences to the Family on the Passing of Your Mother,

So Sorry for Your Loss

Rip.

Kellie & Linda Milton, Kelowna BC
Dec 01, 2022
Bianca,Lucy and Family

We were sad to hear of the passing your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept our condolences on the loss of such an integral part of your family.

Karin and TC - TC Williams
Dec 01, 2022
Sorry for your loss Tim, Carolyn and family . Our deepest condolences. - Larry& Tracy Easter
Dec 01, 2022
Bianca ,Lucy and family sorry to hear about your mom.she was always smiling and having been your neighbours I remember her garden and how happy she always was. Prayers Paul Klarenbeek - Paul Klarenbeek
Dec 01, 2022
My Dear Russo Cousins,

I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your mother.

Aunty Armerinda was one of the best- and sadly, one of the last- of our family's great generation.

She set the standard for all of us with her strength and courage with immigrating and raising a prosperous large family. She taught by example a strong work ethic and dedication to family.

You were all blessed with a wonderful mother; in turn, she was blessed by all the love, respect and devotion you gave her.

Losing a parent is hard but becoming parentless is especially difficult. My heart hurts for you.

I hope you are comforted by visualizing the joy that your mom felt when she was reunited with Uncle Andy and Nicholas.

I send you my love, my deepest condolences, and warmest hugs.

Joey

- Joey Anne Vecchio
Dec 01, 2022
Lucy, Rudy and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I so admired your mom’s dedication to her family. She was always so warm and welcoming whenever we met her. So many beautiful memories for you to cherish to help you through this sad time. All our love… Merle & Lyn and the Ross family. - Lynda Ross
Dec 01, 2022
My heartful condolence to the family she was a wonderful lady - Lucy Pavan
Dec 01, 2022
Carolyn and Tim, Frank and Valita-so very sorry for your loss of your mother. - Ange and Rick Becker
Dec 01, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. She was special and will never be forgotten. We will miss her! Con & Phyllis - Phyllis Litz
Dec 01, 2022
Bianca, Lucy and family sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Our thoughts are with you .

Peter and Luisa Fusco - luisa fusco
Dec 01, 2022
My sincerest condolences to family. - Steve Fair
Dec 01, 2022
Aunt Armerinda was special, she always smiled , she will always have a special place in our hearts. Words can not describe how respectful she was of old and young and always had a welcoming hug to her house

she will be missed

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Domenic and Lina Rampone - Domenic and Lina Rampone
Dec 01, 2022
Lucy, Rudy and family, so sorry for your loss. It sounds like she led an amazing life, full of so much. Our thoughts are with you at this time. - Vern and Calli Lange
Dec 01, 2022
So very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Irma Sutherland - Irma Sutherland
Dec 01, 2022
So sorry for your loss.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family. - Gunter and Terry Jaschinsky
Nov 30, 2022
Lucy so sorry to read of your Moms passing . She sounds like she lived for her family . Sending my condolences. Chris Hehn - Chris Hehn
Nov 30, 2022
Dear Family,

So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this sad time.

Patty at Dr. T’s office.
Nov 30, 2022
It is so heartbreaking to lose Aunt Armerinda,she was a kind,sweet,gentle woman. my thoughts go out to the entire family she will be greatly missed.

love Silvana and Glenn