Born on June 24, 1935 in Queens, Maureen Regina Russo was one of four children of the late James E. Browne and Mary Kiley Browne. She graduated from Jamaica High School and studied nursing at Queensborough Community College. She worked for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and in 1956 married Michael J. Russo, current Chairman of the Board of Flushing Hospital Medical Center and Director of Flushing Savings Bank.
Maureen was known for her loving kindness, positive spirit, and her deep Christian faith. As a young girl she learned compassion from watching her mother love and care for her 14 year old cousin who died from cancer. As Maureen got older, she gave out communion regularly, spoke to seniors at the local nursing home and distributed food and gave support to workers at ground zero following 9/11. She was an inspiration to everyone she met.
Maureen, a lifelong resident of Queens, passed away in her Holliswood home on May 12, 2011 after a 5 ½ year battle with cancer. She was very courageous during the final stages of her life found great comfort from the hospice care she received. It addressed her medical needs and allowed her and her family to prepare mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.
Maureen lived her final days of life with the dignity she deserved and although she is no longer here, her family (husband Michael Russo, four children: Regina Montemurro (Peter), Maureen Mayer (Drew), Anthony Russo and Michael Russo (Eileen), and seven grandchildren: Michael John, Dean, Kyle, Jessica, Megan, Danielle, and Charlotte) knows that she would be thrilled to have Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Hospice Unit dedicated in her name.
