Recent Death Notices From Guilford: Olsen, Parisi, Russo Sr., Cox

GUILFORD, CT — Recent obituaries from Guilford.

Marjorie S. Olsen, 96, a longtime Guilford resident, passed away on March 11, 2025; a lifelong learner and Syracuse University graduate, she taught middle school English in Hamden and at the Tower School, was passionate about the English language and literature, classical music, opera, and piano jazz, preserved an architecturally significant home, cared deeply for the environment, cultivated gardens, grew vegetables from seed, and gave rescued Old English Sheepdogs and cats loving homes, leaving behind her niece, Paula Joslin (Peter), and great-nephew and great-niece, Nathaniel Joslin and Elizabeth Joslin Varghese.

Mildred Parisi, 87, a longtime Guilford resident, passed away on March 4, 2025; a Greenwich High School graduate, she worked for Hamden Probate Court before retirement, was a devoted member of St. George Church and the Wednesday Morning Rosary group, found joy in cooking while singing along to Frank Sinatra, spending time with her family, loved watching The Food Network, and is survived by her four children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Joseph Russo Sr., 89, a lifelong Guilford resident, passed away on March 2, 2025; a Guilford High School graduate and former athlete, he built custom homes with his brothers before founding JJ Russo & Son Construction in 1970, helping shape the local community, and enjoyed traveling, dining out, and spending time with family, leaving behind two children, three grandsons, siblings, and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara Jane (Griffin) Cox, 90, passed away on Mar. 1, 2025; a Loomis Chaffee graduate who attended Connecticut College, she was deeply involved in her community through the Board of Education, Community Fund, and Visiting Nurses Association, enjoyed reading mysteries, watercolor painting, birdwatching, cooking, dining with friends, brain teasers, a good lobster roll, taking care of her cat, and all that Guilford has to offer; remembered for her intelligence and sharp wit, she is survived by three children, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.