'Queen of Williamsburg' Leonora Russo's Funeral Set for Monday

WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN — Leonora Russo was a beloved local celebrity in Williamsburg. Everywhere she arrived in the neighborhood with her bright clothing, sunglasses, and walker, and her lovably sassy attitude, people greeted her and knew her. Russo recently passed away at the age of 91, sinking the hearts of so many Williamsburg residents.

For those who'd like to pay their respects to the firey Williamsburg staple, they may do so on Monday, Nov. 21 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Arthur's Funeral Chapels, Inc. at 207 Nassau Ave.

Remembering Russo is also remembering a different time in Williamsburg's history. Russo said herself that when she first moved to Williamsburg, she paid $125 in rent. She also had no idea why modern Brooklynites are now running around town with piercings all over their bodies, and she was never afraid to express her disdain toward the hipster style.

But in all her life, she never considered moving.

"I feel at home here," she said in a recent NYMag short film that followed her around downtown Williamsburg. "I know everybody here. My son died here, my husband died here, I'll die here."

R.I.P. Leonora.

Photo credit: LWYang/Wikimedia Commons/CC by 2.0