Barbara Ann (Serra) Russell, 91, affectionately known as, “Barbie Doll,” passed away peacefully on February 21, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Springfield on May 26, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Matteo & Mary (Christopher) Serra.
Barbara grew up in Sixteen Acres, was a graduate of Technical High School and then attended Secretarial School. She was part of many family get togethers playing blackjack in the “Rat Fink Room.” Barbara was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and as the girls grew, she worked in banking, regularly dispensing, “how to save for a rainy day” advice to her children and grandchildren. Many years were spent vacationing in Vero Beach, FL during school vacations.
In 1975 she and her beloved husband, “Bump,” purchased (this is where the savings come in) a cottage they nicked named ESCAPE in Chatham on the Cape. There were many picnics on the deck and walks to Forest Beach to go sailing in, “Our Toots.” Together, they were known as the B&B Team.
Barbara is survived by her beloved daughters, Betsy Delpeschio & husband Paul of Feeding Hills, and Nancy Donohue & husband James of West Springfield, sister-in-law, Phyllis Serra of E. Longmeadow, grandchildren, Christopher (Edita), Ryan (Jocelynn), Jamie (Gina) & KerryJean (Josh) and her nine great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Bennett Russell, granddaughter, Karen Buffington, and brother, Robert Serra.
Family and friends are invited to Barbara’s funeral at Tazzini Funeral Home, 22 Locust Street in Springfield, Wednesday, March 2, 11 a.m., with a Prayer Service at 11:45, proceeding to her 1 p.m. burial at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.
Due to an allergy, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to www.SaveTheManatee.org or BayState Children’s Hospital, 759 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01199.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences
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