Obituary of Doris Rose Wade

  Doris R. Wade (nee Russo), 97, a lifelong native of Wildwood passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2023. She was born at home in Wildwood to Raymond and Margaret Russo, June 17, 1926.

    She is predeceased by her husband of 60 years Allan, daughter Donna, brothers Anthony (Butch), Rocco and Armond (Ott) Russo. She is survived by her children Steve (Carol), Margaret (Tom) McAteer, grandchildren, Swade (Cyndi), Jennifer Person (Tay), Ryan McAteer, and Donna McAteer (Rob), and great granddaughters, Bella, Lilli, Nola, and Colbi Person also her grandson from another mother David Condo.

      Doris was strong-willed with the kindest heart. An incredibly intelligent woman, who always knew what she wanted. She entered first grade at the age of four, simply because she was envious of her brothers who went to school and she didn’t.This began a life-long love of learning and constant thirst for knowledge and information. Summers were spent on the Wildwood Beach enjoying the sun and ocean.

     She graduated from Wildwood High School in 1941 at the age of 15 and was awarded a full scholarship to what was then known as the NJ College for Women at Rutgers University.  While she was most proud of this, she returned home to help in the family business because her brothers were all serving in World War II.  She attended Pierce Business School in Philadelphia and then went on to work as the Assistant Tax Collector for the City of Wildwood. She also continued working in her parents’ restaurant, the Golden Dragon helping with bookkeeping and waitressing.In 1946 she married the love of her life and dancing partner, Al. They met at the USO dances while he served in the Navy in Cape May.

    In 1951 they built their home in Wildwood Crest where many family gatherings were held. Family was always number one to Doris and she loved keeping the family traditions alive. Together they built the Starfire Motel which they operated from 1960 to 1980.

  After retiring Al & Doris traveled the United States from coast to coast in their motor home finally settling at their “Peach Palace” in Fort Myers every winter. But they always came home to the place she loved, The Wildwoods

    .Always an outgoing and social person, Doris spent many years as a member of the Junior Civic Club where she was also the President and Chairwoman of the Evening Department. She was a charter member of the mature adults of Notre Dame de la Mer parish.

      Viewing and funeral services will be celebrated at Assumption Church 7100 Seaview Ave Wildwood Crest on Thursday, August 17, 2023. Friends may call from 10:00 – 10:45 AM with mass at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery on Seashore Rd in Lower Township.

     The family thanks the staff of Bayada for their wonderful care and kindness for mom, especially Zwany who always was so loving and compassionate In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lunch with Lynch Foundation / Amanda’s Wish, PO Box 1322, Wildwood NJ 08260. https://www.lunchwithlynch.com/wish

Condolences may be sent to www.ingersollgreenwoodfh.com