It is with great sorrow, but yet with many fond memories, we announce the passing of Marie B. Russo. Marie age 91, died on November 12, 2015. Marie was born on November 24, 1923 on the Army barracks in Vancouver, Washington, daughter of Skelt and Mary Lamb Smith and came to Pittsfield at the age of 4 and has resided in Pittsfield since. Marie graduated from St Joseph High School in 1941. Her husband, Frank M. Olsted, whom she married July 21, 1945, died September 3, 1970. She later married Dominick F. Russo on November 20, 1976 and he died on June 10, 1993. During the 1940's, Marie was employed at the Government Mill, General Electric and the former Eaton Paper Company. Marie most recently worked as a licensed practical nurse at Berkshire Medical Center and later at Hillcrest Hospital, retiring in 1992. Marie then volunteered at BMC as a member of RSVP and as a Eucharistic Minister. At one time Marie was active as a Cub Scout, Blue Bird and Camp Fire Leader. Marie enjoyed reading, music, writing poetry and old time movies.
Marie leaves her beloved son, Dane M. Wested and his wife Anne of Pittsfield, her stepson Richard Olsted of Dalton, stepdaughter; Julee Cassidy and husband Allen, and her beloved niece Helen Rinaldi of Rhode Island. Marie's only daughter; Kathleen M. Olsted died in 1969 after a long illness in which Marie cared for her. She is also predeceased by her stepson Robert Olsted. Marie is also survived by her grandchildren, Tracie Ely, Tim and Kate Murphy, Robert Cassidy, Gayle Colpoys, Karen Cassidy, Michelle Mazzeo, Daniel Olsted, Becky Pickard and Melissa Rennie. and several great grandchildren and nephews. She was also predeceased by siblings Ethel, Evelyn, Grant and Buddy. Marie's family would like to thank the entire team at Craneville Place for taking excellent care of Marie and treating her
with compassion and the utmost respect during her time spent there.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Marie B. Russo, who died November 12, 2015, will be held Monday at 10:30 AM from the DERY FUNERAL HOME in Pittsfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church celebrated by the Rev. Peter Naranjo, parochial vicar. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Monday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the funeral home prior to the funeral.
Memorial donations in memory of Marie may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Activities Fund at Craneville Place of Dalton both in care of the funeral home, 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield, MA 01201.

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