Lena M. Bova Russo, 86, of East Haven formerly of Half Mile Road, North Haven, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford. She was the beloved wife of the late John R. Russo.  Lena was born in New Haven on November 14, 1931 and was 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. Mother of Roseann Sampson and Jacqueline (Greg) Rubino.  Grandmother of John Rubino and Carissa Tropiano.  Great grandmother of Alliyah and Dante Tropiano.  Also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  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 Avenue.  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 Street, Hamden, CT  06517