Kelli Marie Russo passed away peacefully February 23, 2022, surrounded by her loving family, after an almost 2-year battle with cancer.

Kelli was born April 5, 2000, in Clifton Park and most recently resided in Ballston Lake, NY. As a child, she danced ballet and was a girl scout, earning the bronze award for service. She attended school at Shenendehowa and was a great student and athlete. Kelli was a speedy runner and played softball, lacrosse, and especially loved field hockey, where she was a varsity defenseman for Shen, when they won the State Championship in 2016-2017.

Kelli attended Binghamton University, studying Neuroscience and became a sister in the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. She was a beautiful, fun-loving young woman who loved music, dressing up, dancing and spending time with her friends, often entertaining with her wry humor. She was adventuresome and had a fearless manner about her. At home, she loved spending time with her pit bull, Lexi and just loved all animals. She was a good cook and created nutritious recipes for meals and smoothies. Kelli remained an avid athlete, working out and running up until her final few months.

Kelli's life was tragically taken after an almost 2-year battle with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare cancer, primarily affecting children and young adults. She is survived by her parents Mike and Terry and her older brother Peter as well as her aunts, Christine and Laurie, and uncle, Mark, along with numerous well-loved cousins across the country especially Melissa, Sara, Angela and Tino who were closest to her age.

In lieu of flowers, we would encourage donations to the Sarcoma Foundation of America which Kelli and her sisters and friends were already supporting. Please emphasize research for pediatric sarcoma as so little is known about this form of cancer.

A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 2:30pm at Grace Chapel, 996 Main Street, Clifton Park, NY 12065.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.