SEAFORD - The sun rose on March 16, 1929, with the birth of Joey Ann (Alexander) Russo, 81, of Seaford, and with her passing the sun set on Dec. 18, 2010, at Christiana Hospital surrounded by family members. Joey Ann was born in Bridgeport, Conn., to Linwood and Martha Lucille (Nickles) Alexander. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, James N. Russo; sons, James Alan and his wife, Susan, of Tennessee and Maine, Barry and his wife Susan, of Vermont; daughter, Cindi Smith and her husband, Dennis, of Seaford; grandchildren, James Russo and his wife Gigi of Brooklyn, N.Y., Michelle Stead and her husband Doug of Parkton, Md., and Sarah and James Smith of Seaford. She is also survived by the joy of her life, her great-grandchildren, Madeline and Jack Stead, and James Ryder Russo. Sisters, Christine Andrus of Westwood, Massachusetts and Nancy Cantillo of Indian Harbor Beach, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews also mourn her passing. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Alan and John Alexander; sisters, Mary Commaford, Martha Mercier, Dorothy Sweeney, and Emmy Durkin. Joey Ann lived in the Boston, Mass, area as a child and attended Boston's Girls' Latin School where she developed her love for books and words. She excelled in her studies and was honored to graduate ahead of her class. It may have been her love for reading that sparked her adventurous side to travel and live in different parts of the country and world. She had a short modeling career before marriage and dedicated the rest of her life to caring for her husband and family. She always enjoyed spending time with babies. Many people remember her beauty, two different colored eyes, sparkling smile, talents in the kitchen and ability to organize a holiday party. A memorial service was held for the immediate family Dec. 20 at Cranston Funeral Home in Seaford. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Donation can be made to the Seaford Library or the library of your choice.