Obituary of Leslie Anne Russo

Leslie Anne (Pitt) Russo, 76, of Halifax, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, after a long illness. Born December 2, 1946, in Middleton, CT, Leslie was the eldest daughter of David and Mary Pitt and was raised in Beverly and Boxford, MA and Burlington, VT with her much-loved younger siblings Ellie, Dave, and Chris. After attending secretarial school, she met Phil Russo while working at Kemper Insurance in Boston. Once she and Phil married, they settled in a wonderful neighborhood in Halifax where they raised their daughter, Lindsay, and made many life-long friends. 

Leslie enjoyed shopping, cheese, crafts, the Red Sox and Patriots (unless the scores were close), and, in her later years, watching Bobby Flay and Animal Planet. However, her life’s work was being of service in the town she loved so much. 

Leslie’s family often jokes that she’s “Halifax famous”. She spent decades working at the Halifax Elementary School, moving from being a parent helper organizing Lindsay’s first grade teacher’s room to a classroom aide to becoming the school secretary. She remained a calm and friendly front desk presence until she retired in 2013 and was known for her love of sticky notes and a desk covered in pictures of former Patriot Tom Brady. Her school family meant the world to her and she treasured those friendships throughout her life. 

Leslie was also secretary of the Halifax Congregational Church for many years. Her faith was incredibly important to her, as were the close friendships she made within her church community. We are so grateful for their presence in her life, especially these last few years. 

Leslie’s proudest title, however, was that of “Nana”. Her granddaughter, Brenna, was the highlight of her life and they spent many afternoons playing games, eating way too many snacks, and giggling with each other. One of Leslie’s favorite ways to relax was to scroll through pictures of Brenna’s adventures. Time with her “Nans” was Brenna’s favorite way to spend a day and she cherishes those memories “to the moon and back - and, back again - and, back again.”

Leslie was predeceased by her husband Philip, her parents, David and Mary (Geron) Pitt, and her brother, David Pitt, Jr. She is survived by her daughter Lindsay Russo, her fiancé Brian Bragg, and their daughter Brenna of Bridgewater; sisters Christine Pitt of Georgetown, MA and Ellen Barry and her husband John of Eddington, ME; as well as nephews Stephen Pitt and Alex Barry and niece Heather (Barry) Baines. 

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 4-7 PM, at the Shepherd Funeral Home in Kingston (https://shepherdfuneralhome.com). A prayer service will be held at a later date. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Halifax Congregational Church: https://halifaxcongregationalchurch.org/index.html