Veronica (Vera) Russo, 97, of Pittsburg, died peacefully in her sleep on November 24, 2018. Vera was born on March 16, 1921, in Riverbank, California, to Emilio and Carolina (Richiardi) Favero, immigrants from Piemonte, Italy, a heritage Vera was very proud of. Vera worked hard beginning at a young age, a necessity during the Depression, at dry yards, canneries, and as a housekeeper for the Gallo family. She graduated from Ripon High School, an honor student, in 1939. Vera and her cousin Mary Varaia moved to Pittsburg, where they had family and where Vera found a job as a waitress. It was there that she met the love of her life, Anthony (Wally) Russo. Wally and Vera were married on September 8, 1945 and were devoted to each other until Wally's death in 1995. They raised three daughters, and Vera shared with them her love of books and learning. Vera was an incredible artist and homemaker, making beautiful clothes and gifts for her children, grandchildren, and other family members. Vera was a wonderful letter-writer, corresponding in Italian with her relatives in Italy, and writing weekly letters to her children when they grew up and moved away. Vera was well known for her Christmas cookies, especially her butterhorns, which she shared every year with family, friends, and neighbors. Vera retired from the Pittsburg Unified School District in 1983. She was a member of Good Shepherd Church, Catholic Daughters of America, and the Monday Menders sewing club. Vera is survived by daughters Rose, Carolyn, and Kathy; five grandchildren: Anthony, Elizabeth, Emilie, Rose, and Manny; and eight great grandchildren: Melanie, Rusty, Corey, Julie, Brody, Luke, Sonora, and George.

A rosary and memorial mass will be held on Saturday, March 9 at 11:30 am at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 3200 Harbor Street, Pittsburg, California.