Sophie Russo, 88, of Clarksburg, NJ (Millstone Township) and formerly of Oakhurst, NJ, passed away Monday January 31, 2022 at home surrounded by family. Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ she had resided in Oakhurst prior to moving to Millstone Township in 2008.

Sophie was predeceased by her parents, Katherine D'Andrea (1942) and John Brady (1979), her sister Pauline Dolling (2007) and her brother John A. Brady "Junior" (2008). She is survived by her children; son, John and his wife, Diana Russo of Forked River and daughter, Jody and her husband, Joe Dona of Clarksburg , with whom she resided. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren; Nicole and her husband, Roy Piper, Danielle Russo, Jennifer Russo, Isabella Dona, Joseph Dona, Ryan Russo and her great‐grandson, Richard "RJ" Piper. Other survivors include her brother, Joseph Brady and his wife, Betty of Howell; many nieces and nephews; her step‐grandchildren, Hanna and Emma Scott and her step‐great‐ granddaughter, Liliana Scott.

Before retirement in 2004, Sophie had a lasting impact on numerous young lives as a day‐care provider to many local families.  To all the kids who came through her door over the years, she was more than a paid caretaker – she was their "Nana".

Sophie enjoyed gardening, beginning each summer season with a Mother's Day tradition of planting and decorating the yard.  She was also an exceptional cook and, fortunately for those of us she's left behind, Sophie kept a store of recipe cards so her granddaughters could "try" and replicate her famous dishes.  She also loved to shop for her fashionable clothes and was affectionately known as "Schnazzy Nan".

Sophie will always be remembered as a kind, loving and generous person who was a devoted Mom and Grandmother who loved to spend time with her family.

Funeral Services will held 11 am Saturday, February 5 ^th at Peppler Funeral Home, 114 So. Main St. Allentown. Friends may call Friday from 2pm to5 pm and again on Saturday from 10 am until the time of service. Entombment will be private in Holmdel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that well-wishers donate to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, 425 Eagle Rock Ave., Suite 203, Roseland, NJ 07068.