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Lena M. Bova Russo, 86, of East Haven, formerly of Half Mile Road, North Haven, passed away peacefully on Jan. 7 at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford. She was the beloved wife of the late John R. Russo. Lena was born in New Haven on Nov. 14, 1931, the daughter of the late Agostino and Violette Linares Bova.

She was the owner and operator of the former J&L Produce of Wallingford and later designed fruit baskets. Lena enjoyed cooking and especially spending time with her family, whom she loved unconditionally.

She was the mother of Roseann Sampson and Jacqueline (Greg) Rubino; the grandmother of John Rubino and Carissa Tropiano; and the great-grandmother of Alliyah and Dante Tropiano. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters Terry Rose Bova and Katherine Carangelo, and a brother, Basil Bova.

Private funeral services have been entrusted to the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to ACES Whitney High School East/West, North and CREATE on 261 Skiff St., Hamden, CT 06517. For an online obituary, visit www.northavenfuneral.com.