WATERVLIET - JoAnne M. McHugh-Russell, 57, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2018 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany.
Born and raised in Albany on November 11, 1960, to the late James F. and Mary R. Reed McHugh, JoAnne has now returned to them in comfort and peace.
She graduated from Albany High School and studied Fine Arts and Graphic Arts at the Junior College of Albany. As a teacher's aide at BOCES with special education students who adored her, Jo (as known by most) shared her gift as an artist and her compassion for others.
Her career as a barkeeper led her to become the proprietor of Nick's Tavern in Watervliet. Jo's unending generosity and sense of humor endeared her to all she met.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Russell; her stepdaughter, Erin Russell-Decker (Don); her stepsons, Andrew and Raymond Chevalier; her stepgrandchildren, Christian, Raeanne, Leland, and Jace. Her loving and devoted sisters, Eileen McHugh-Szepessy (Frank), Carol McHugh, and Marybeth Wiltse (Dan); her niece, Taylor Chamberlain (Rory); nephew and godson, James Wiltse. Also survived by her lifelong friend, Karen Dipofi (Mark); and good friend, Kelly Riley (Leo) along with numerous loving cousins and many friends; and her loving cat, Russet.
The funeral service will be Saturday at 10 am at the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet with a calling hour prior to the service from 9-10 am. Her ashes will be interred in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital for their compassion and care. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.
Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.