Lorraine Russo

Lorraine Perry (McBride) Russo, of Boxford and formerly of Saugus and Revere, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 18, 2026, which was also her wedding anniversary.

She was the wife of retired Revere Police Chief James V. Russo, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage. 

Born on May 23, 1944, Lorraine was the daughter of the late William H. and Rita C. (McKenna) McBride. Born and raised in Chelsea, she graduated from Chelsea High School in 1962.

Lorraine met Jimmy in the fall of 1962 after a chance encounter on the way to Revere Beach. As her sister Elizabeth would tell the story, Lorraine was hesitant to give Jimmy her phone number, but with a little encouragement, she did. Together they built their life first in Revere and later in Saugus, where they lived for more than 30 years.

Lorraine loved entertaining friends and family at home. She was known for her cooking and had a talent for creating dishes without following a recipe. Christmas Day became a cherished family tradition, where everyone eagerly awaited her meatballs and lasagna. 

She is survived by her children, William Russo and his partner Kelly Dodge, Pamela Russo, and Barbara (Russo) Bruker and her partner, Andrew Benas. Her grandchildren, Riley and Maggie Bruker, were her pride and joy, and she was lovingly known as “Nana” to her favorite grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara Doyen and her husband Robert, Elizabeth Viano and her husband Gavin, and Rita Hart and her husband Douglas, and by her brother-in-law, Stephen Russo and his wife Diana. 

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews. Perry had many lifelong friends.

 She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

To honor Lorraine, friends and family are encouraged to wear a pop of red, her favorite color. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Lorraine’s name to the Kaplan Family Hospice House through Care Dimensions Donations. The entire Russo family would like to thank Lorraine’s Care Dimensions hospice team for the support, empathy, and care they provided over the last six months.