Lillian Streva Russo

Lillian Streva Russo, a native of Morgan City and a longtime resident of Berwick, passed away on Jan. 4, 2014, at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Berwick. A rosary will be said for Mrs. Russo at 1:30 p.m. in the church.
The funeral service will be held at St. Stephen Church at 2 p.m. Jan. 7 with Monsignor J. Douglas Courville officiating. Burial will follow at Morgan City Cemetery. Hargrave Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements.
Lillian Russo was born in Morgan City to Cologero and Bonita Streva on Oct. 13, 1921. She was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School. She worked in the Russo family business, Russo’s Supermarket, with her husband, Joseph, for many years until their retirement.
She was involved in many civic activities, most notably the Berwick Volunteer Fire Department, working tirelessly for the annual fundraising activities. She served on the St. Mary Parish Police Jury, finishing her husband’s term of office after his death. When she was 90 years old she was awarded the key to the city, of which she was very proud. She was also honored by having the upper room of the fire station named after her.
Perhaps what Lillian enjoyed the most was any activity involving family. Though not blessed by God with biological children, she acted as a second mother to her numerous nieces and nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and their children. If given the opportunity, she would talk endlessly about their accomplishments. Usually, she would “just happen to be carrying some pictures,” which she was more than happy to share with anyone. If anyone needed assistance, “Aunt Lil” was the one to call. She never refused a call for help from family, friends or strangers. She had boundless energy, which she put to use in serving others.
Lillian was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Joseph P. Russo. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Cologero and Bonita Streva; and siblings, Melva Streva, Frank Streva, Joseph Streva, Leo Streva, Sam Streva, Angelo Streva, Nancy Streva Galler, John Streva and August Streva.
Lillian is survived by her devoted friend and sister-in-law, Catherine Russo of Berwick. She had 29 nieces and nephews, numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews, all of whom called her “Aunt Lil,” loved her dearly, and will miss her greatly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Stephen Church, 3217 Second St., Berwick, LA 70342. Condolences may be left in Lillian Russo’s online guestbook at www.hargravefuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the many business and community members who assisted “Aunt Lil” to live a long and independent life.