Christine J. Kozlowski

MILLBURY — Christine J. (Russo) Kozlowski, 71, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, surrounded by the people she loved most, following a courageous 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Christine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Known to many as “Chris,” she was most proudly known as “Mammie” to her two grandchildren, a name she cherished and a role that brought her more joy than anything else in the world.

Christine was born in Worcester on February 13, 1955, to the late Albert and June (Quarelli) Russo. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 47 years, Michael Kozlowski, and her son, Joseph Kozlowski, all of Millbury.

She leaves behind her loving son, Jeffrey Kozlowski, and his wife, Stephanie (Massicotte) Kozlowski, along with her cherished grandchildren, Brooke Massicotte and Nathan Kozlowski, all of Millbury. She also leaves her brothers, John Russo of Millbury and Michael Russo and his wife, Donna Russo; her sister, Mary Hollis of Danville, Virginia; her godchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and members of her large and loving extended family.

Christine was a lifelong Millbury resident and a proud member of the Millbury High School Class of 1973. Soon after graduating, she married the love of her life, Michael, in 1975. Together they built their life in Millbury and raised their two sons, Joseph and Jeffrey. Throughout her working years, Christine held a variety of jobs, including working as a home health aide, waitress, and crossing guard for Millbury Public Schools. But it was the 22 years she spent working at Goretti’s that she loved most. She retired in 2021 to care for Michael during his final years, putting her family first as she had always done.

Christine was a familiar and much-loved presence around Millbury. She had a certain spunk about her that made her impossible to forget, and she could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. She loved her hometown and the people in it, and over the years she made countless friends simply by talking, laughing, and being Chris. In more recent years, many in town knew her from the Millbury High School sporting events where she proudly cheered on her grandson, Nathan, and his teammates. She was also a frequent visitor to the cemetery, where she found comfort in remembering the people she loved and lost. Whether sitting in the stands, visiting the cemetery, or simply stopping to talk with someone she knew, Christine had a way of making connections wherever she went.

But above everything else, Christine was a mother. Her sons were her greatest pride, and being a grandmother became one of the greatest joys of her life. She was endlessly proud of Brooke and Nathan and took tremendous joy in watching them grow, supporting them, and celebrating every accomplishment big or small. Her grandchildren knew her as “Mammie,” but the name represented so much more than being a grandmother. It was the role she treasured most.

Christine faced the last 10 months of her life with the same strength, determination, and spirit that had carried her through everything else. Even when things became difficult, she persevered. In her final days, she was surrounded by the love of her family, who held her hands, comforted her, and remained by her side until she took her final breath.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Alexander Martin, as well as her nurses Ali and Andrea, for the exceptional care, kindness, and guidance they provided throughout Christine’s final journey. The family is also profoundly grateful to the dedicated team at Central Care VNA & Hospice for their compassion and support.

Family and friends will honor and remember Christine’s life by gathering for visitation on Wednesday, September 2, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 3, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Brigid Church, 59 Main Street, Millbury, with burial to follow at Central Cemetery, Millbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to A Lab for Life Rescue, 7701 S. Peebly Rd., Newalla, OK 74857, or at alabforlife.org 

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If you wish to send flowers to these services, Mulhane Home for Funerals recommends contacting a local florist directly for better value and selection.

Local Florist:

Floral Boutique 508-754-5637 www.floralboutiquemillbury.com 

Posies N Presents 508-581-4164 www.posiesnpresents.com