“SORRIDENTE” is an Italian word to describe newly-turned 90 year-old Josephine Russo and on her April birthday, she lived up to the “ever-smiling” description.
The Sunnybank parishioner was joined by the family who love and appreciate her for the joyful, faith-filled mother and “Nonna” (grandmother) that she is.
“We’re inspired by Mum’s strength and faith in all she gives out,” daughter Caroline Russo said.
“She’s so happy and smiles.”
Giuseppina (Josephine) Russo was born on April 11, 1931, in Stromboli, a small island off the north coast of Sicily, Italy.
She migrated to Australia in 1950, meeting her future husband, Victor Russo, “at the port”, in Melbourne and marrying three months later.
The couple had two daughters, Caroline Russo and Cathy Waters, and the family expanded to include four grandchildren.
“Mum worked with dad all her life in fruit shops until they retired in the eighties,” Caroline said.
The family matriarch is a “most loved woman” by all those who know her.
“She gives with all her heart and likes to make everyone happy,” Caroline continued. “She cooks all the time.”
For the birthday, the Russos enjoyed a meal together at The Italian Club, Newstead, in inner Brisbane, and Josephine’s 80 year-old sister, Celestine Russo, joined them from Melbourne, the women marking their significant birthdays together.
“We celebrated both of them with a big Stromboli cake made especially,” Caroline said.
“The day was celebrated very much … as we nearly lost her last year. To have her side of the family come was the best present ever for her to see her sister. Mum is a unique woman in every way and we all love her to bits.”
Josephine Russo attends daily Mass at Sunnybank when she can and said she can’t imagine her life without being able to express her faith in God.
