Eileen Lo Russo (née Lerro) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving children, on September 6, 2025, in Williamstown, NJ. She was 76 years old.

Eileen was the beloved wife of the late Richard Lo Russo, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and devotion. Together, they built a beautiful family and a life full of laughter, hard work, and cherished memories.

She is survived by her children Richard (Chris), Jeffrey (Amy), and Danielle Franklin (Lauren); her adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her many loving nieces and nephews. She was the dear sister of the late Rosemary Pino (John), Pete Forjohn (Cassy), Joan Goldman (Jack), Dolores Cardillo (Harry), Ronald Lerro (Debbie), and Carol O'Keefe (Quincy). She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Theresa Lerro (née Di Prisco).

Eileen was born on April 23, 1949, in Philadelphia, PA. At just 14 years old, she met the love of her life, Richard, on the Wildwood Boardwalk on September 2, 1963. They were married on February 4, 1967, and went on to share over 60 years together. After a brief time in Washington Township, they settled into their home in Williamstown (Cecil), NJ, where they raised their family and built a legacy rooted in love, community, and hard work.

Eileen and Richard were proud owners of their own clothing factory, Stitch & Sew Sportswear, located in South Philadelphia.

Eileen had a passion for life and a deep love for her family. She and Richard shared many joys together, especially their love of fishing, particularly surf fishing in Wildwood Crest, NJ.  Family vacations were a treasured tradition, especially trips to Dutch Wonderland, the Strasburg Railroad, and the Amish Country. The annual "Cousin Week" in Ocean City, Maryland, was a highlight she always looked forward to.

Eileen was an extraordinary cook, and her meals brought people together. Her famous cheese soup and chicken dinners on Halloween became a neighborhood tradition—so much so that kids who once came to her door now return with their own children and grandchildren. Every Christmas Eve, she continued the beloved tradition of preparing the Feast of the Seven Fishes alongside her daughter Danielle, grandson Richie, and Siobhan, creating memories that will be cherished forever.

Sundays were sacred to Eileen. She cherished her quiet morning coffee chat with her son Jeffrey, who lived just behind her and was always close—not just in distance, but in heart. Their time together was simple yet deeply meaningful, a comforting ritual that reminded her she was never alone.  She loved hearing stories from her son Richard about the lives he touched through his work in addiction recovery—each story a reminder of the kind, compassionate man she had raised, and each one filling her heart with pride and admiration. Above all, Eileen's heart belonged to her grandchildren. She wasn't just a grandmother—she was everything to them. From putting them on the bus each morning to helping with homework and greeting them with a snack after school, she poured her love and presence into every moment. Even as they grew into teenagers, she remained a constant source of comfort, encouragement, and warmth.

In March of this year, Eileen was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. From the moment she received the diagnosis on March 6, 2025, she faced the fight of her life with unshakable confidence, grace, and the same quiet strength she carried throughout her life.

Throughout her journey, Eileen was surrounded by an incredible circle of love and support. She was deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the difficult days a little easier. Her sister DeeDee faithfully visited each week, offering her comforting presence. Her sister Carol traveled all the way from Las Vegas to be by her side, a gesture that touched Eileen deeply. Her sister Joanie, brother-in-law's Jack and Harry, Nephew Johnnie Boy, Michael, Frankie and Heather brought warmth and laughter with each visit, and her "baby brother" Ronald was a source of strength and comfort.

She found joy in visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—Ashley, Manny, Tabitha, Maggie and Frankie—and she cherished the everyday kindness of her daughter-in-law Amy, who took care of her cat and houseplants. Her son-in-law Lauren became her dedicated groundskeeper (and now proudly considers himself a landscaper), and her self-appointed "nurses" Brooke, Paige, and Angelina kept her company with both care and chatter, becoming her beloved "yapping buddies."

Eileen held a special place in her heart for her "Adopted daughter" Barb Bretz—she was far more than a nurse; she was a true and cherished friend, a steady light in Eileen's life whose kindness and compassion meant the world to her.  Eileen would always smile thinking back on her many "Cagney and Lacey" adventures with her dear friend Lisa.

One of Eileen's proudest and most treasured moments came just days before her passing, when her grandson Richie returned home from the Marine Corps before deploying overseas. Being surrounded by all her loved ones, especially with Richie home, was a final gift that brought her immense peace and joy.

Eileen's legacy is one of unconditional love, strength, and generosity. She lived a life devoted to her family and leaves behind a beautiful example of what it means to love selflessly and live fully.

A special thank you to Samaritan Hospice and Inspira Bayada team Traci, Marie, Mike and Sam.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Thursday, September 11th, from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM at the Farnelli Funeral Home, 504 N. Main Street, Williamstown, where a funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM. A private burial will take place at a later date at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Williamstown.