Obituary of Laura Lee Russo

Laura Russo Devoted wife and loving mother and sister Laura Lee (Hayden) Russo, 63, of Plainfield died unexpectedly on March 22. Laura was born on Feb. 13, 1954, the daughter of lifelong East Putnam residents Walter B. and Ethel P. Hayden, and grew up on the family farm. She was a valedictorian at Putnam High School and graduated with highest honors from the University of Connecticut with an interior design degree in 1976. Laura, who previously lived in Brooklyn, CT, and raised her daughter there, ran her own business for several years, designing creative interiors for businesses and private homes. She also worked for the Sherwin Williams paint store in Putnam. Laura married Ronald J. Russo of Greenville, RI, in 2000; they enjoyed traveling and attending plays at local theaters. She worked for many years at Bardell's Decorating Center in South Woodstock before retiring recently to become a full-time caregiver for her husband. A gifted soprano, Laura enjoyed singing in the Putnam United Methodist Church choir, where she was a longtime member. In recent years, she became a communicant at St. John’s Parish in Plainfield, where she was a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary. Laura, who attended Andover Newton seminary in later life, was a devout Christian and an active member of both faith communities. She was a thoughtful, loving, and optimistic person who cared deeply for those who were fortunate enough to know her. She was also a talented cook who enjoyed inventing new dishes, and she loved entertaining. Laura was predeceased by her daughter, Jessica Elaine Duff, in 2009. She is survived by her husband and four siblings: Mary Hayden and partner Carla Tomaso of Pasadena, CA; W. John Hayden and wife Sheila of Powhatan, VA; Michael Hayden and wife Cathy of Los Altos, CA; and Elizabeth Hayden and husband Ken Heidel of Sturbridge, MA. She is also survived by her husband's children: Jill Sidelinger, husband Jason, and their children of Westford, MA; and Sherry Morse and her children of Kenner, LA; and former husband Gerald Duff of Roanoke, VA; as well as an uncle, aunts, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends, who will always remember her intelligence, her sense of humor, her kindness and her strength in the face of hardship. A memorial Mass for Laura will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at St. John's Church, 10 Railroad Ave., Plainfield. Family and friends are also welcome to gather for a celebration of her life at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the United Methodist Church, 53 Grove St., Putnam. Burial will be at Munyan Cemetery in East Putnam. Smith & Walker Funeral Home of Putnam is handling arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Eastern Connecticut, 331 Main St., Norwich 06360; or Daily Bread Food Pantry, 53 Grove St., Putnam 06260.