Maria Luisa Russo Millwood

Maria Luisa Russo Millwood, aka, “Ma” passed away on March 18, 2025 after a courageous five-year journey with cancer. Up until the end, Maria maintained her faith in God, kindness, grace, appreciation for style and beauty, love of family and friends, and her gratitude for her life. Maria’s life can be encapsulated by several “F” words: Family, Friends, Food, Fun - “fun in the sun”. In her 62 years, she experienced an abundant amount of each. Family: Maria, an Italian, was raised by her loving parents, Anna and Louis Russo in Brooklyn (Canarsie) along with her sisters Emily and Joann. Maria has three children, Michael, Naima, and Moneera and three grandchildren Mariam, Osama, and Nazir. She adored and truly loved them very much. While living in North Carolina, she met her husband, Schyler. Maria, Schyler and Charlie (her dog) decided to move to Georgia in 2013 to purchase a home closer to Schyler’s family where they lived happily. Friends: Maria cherished all of her friendships throughout her life. She had long lasting friendships with Mary, Tina, Helen, and Juliana that she developed while living in Brooklyn. They often called Maria, “the dancing queen”. From phone calls, to video chats, to trips, Maria always kept her friends close and dear to her. Food: Maria loved to cook and was known for her wonderful Italian meals – everything from her meatballs, sauce, spaghetti, and chicken parm. She could always be counted on to prepare delicious meals made with her love. Fun -“fun in the sun”: Maria loved the beach and the sun! She was always eager to plan a vacation with her husband, she would seek the sun and sand every time. She loved sitting in the sand, basking in the sun, and enjoying seafood with Schyler. Maria was always a delight to be with – she always appreciated everything life gave her. Even in her diminished state near the end of life, she always thanked her nurses, doctors, friends, and family for their support and love. Maria was adored and became a “favorite” patient of the care teams in the hospital and hospice. She maintained her heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for them even when she lost her ability to speak. She would always smile or mouth “thank you” and wave. Maria’s spirit was happy, uplifting, loving, and kind. Her heart loved deeply and was strong until her last breath. Her spirit and love, along with dancing will continue in heaven and in our hearts.

Maria Luisa Russo Millwood

February 22, 1963 - March 18, 2025