Monica Russo, 89

ADAMS, Mass. — Monica Hilchey Russo, 89, of Adams died Thursday March 12, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Saranac Lake, N.Y., on April 29, 1930, a daughter of George F. and Beatrice Ransom Ayers. She attended schools in Bennington, Vt., graduating from the former Catamount High School. Monica studied at the Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, Canada.

Monica moved to North Adams in 1960 and worked at the former North Adams Regional Hospital until 1972. Monica was a "Drury Wrestling Mom" from 1979 to 1982, never missing a match, and was honored for her contributions to the team. She then moved to Pittsfield, where she worked in the deli department at Stop & Shop until her retirement in 1989.

Her first husband was Walter H. Hilchey, who died on Aug. 3, 1972. They were married on June 5, 1949. Her second husband was Albert C. Russo, who died on Feb, 9, 2016. They were married on April 29, 1983. Monica and Albert enjoyed travel and spent winters in Garden City, S.C., enjoying the beach and many visitors.

Survivors include three daughters, Ellen L. (Daniel) Johnson of Pennsylvania and JoAnn (Glen) (Al) Long and Kim M.(David) Ross, both of Frederick, Md.; three sons, David W. Hilchey and his fiancée, Patricia Albareda, of North Adams, Charles J. (Gayle) Hilchey of Demopolis, Ala., and Scott E. (Paula) Hilchey of Cheshire; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Beatrice Brown of Bennington and Joan Tyler of Vermontville, N.Y.; and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was predeceased by her daughter Donna L. Mahar, her son,William C., and her sister Judith Barbaro

Funeral notice: A Memorial Mass for Monica Russo will be celebrated at a time to be announced at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Adams. Because of concerns about the coronavirus, a private burial will take place in Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington, Vt.

Private calling hours will be held at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPELS, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, Mass. Memorial donations may be made to St. John Paul II Church in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.