Monica Jean Russo

ARUNDEL – Monica Jean Russo, 74, of Arundel, died Oct. 25, 2025 at Southern Maine Healthcare in Biddeford due to kidney failure. She was born Oct. 26, 1950 in Norwalk, Conn. She was the daughter of the late John Joseph and Florence Elizabeth (Dobrynski) Russo.

Monica attended Norwalk schools and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1968. Later, she attended Silvermine College of Art, while simultaneously working at a film animation studio. She also produced artwork for several Madison Avenue advertising agencies in New York City.

Monica was an avid naturalist and was a staff member for a nature center in Westport, Conn. rehabilitating injured animals including hawks, eagles, and owls. In 1975, she published her first book: “The Complete Book of Birdhouses and Feeders”. She was also a prolific artist specializing in detailed naturalist subjects. In 1976, she met photographer, Kevin Byron, who would become her partner for the rest of her life. Together, they travelled to many places, from Utah to Newfoundland. She eventually produced 15 books; 10 by herself and five others with Kevin. One of them, “Birdology,” was named an Outstanding Science Trade Book by the National Science Teacher’s Association. She was also a founding member of the Maine Entomological Society.

Monica is survived by her sister, Sandra Elizabeth (Russo) Galley and her husband Charles Galley of Andover, Mass.; and long-time partner, Kevin Byron of Arundel.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Monica’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.