It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mildred Jean "Midge" Russo (nee Ryan) on Oct. 26, 2018 at home in St-Lambert, Quebec, Canada, from complications of end-stage multiple sclerosis, in the comforting arms of her loving husband and caregiver of 33 years, Robert.
A former resident of Smyrna, Midge was born in Dover, Nov. 26, 1945 to Betty Chesaek (nee Newnum) and James Ryan II. She was preceded in death by both of her devoted parents and her beloved brother, James Ryan III, formerly of Smyrna; and her deeply loved grandson, Marcus Solloway of Ft Myers, Fla. She will be profoundly missed by her loving sons, Clarence E. Solloway Jr. (Jack) of Fort Myers, Fla. and Jason Solloway of Smyrna; her grandson, Thomas Solloway of Smyrna; and four nieces and two nephews and cousins in the Smyrna area.
Midge fought a heroic battle against the relentless progression of multiple sclerosis, a pitiless disease which gradually robs the body of its strength and the mind of its clarity. Through it all, and especially in the last dozen years when complications began to increase, she showed unfailing courage, fortitude and determination -- qualities that evoked admiration in all who visited her, whether at home or in hospital. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother of great compassion and love, a loyal friend to whoever offered friendship, a person of simple trust, a warm and genuine human being. These qualities will sustain all who loved her, and, with God's grace, will lessen the sting of grief.
The family extends their profound gratitude to the staff of PABs, nurses, and doctors at CLSC Samuel-de-Champlain, Greenfield Park, QC for their unfailingly professional and compassionate care and treatment of Midge during her long illness. Especial appreciation and debt of gratitude is owed to her long-standing neurologist, Dr Daniel Gendron, of the Montreal Neurological Institute, without whose therapies the inevitable progression of the disease would have accelerated.
Finally, a heartfelt thank-you to the compassionate "angels" of Amelys -- Jocelyn, Stephanie, Judy, and Joanne -- who, week after week, lessened immeasurably the caregiving burdens of her husband Robert.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 South Main Street in Smyrna. Memorial services will begin at 2 p.m., with burial to follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Smyrna.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 4527, New York, NY 10163 or www.NationalMSSociety.org