Judy Carolyn Russel McPartland

McPartland, Judy Carolyn Russel, born March 18, 1952 to Lunolia and Jimmy Russel in White House, TN, died Sunday morning at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, after a very long and courageous battle with a debilitating liver disease. Judy had been shuttled from her Laguna Niguel, CA home in August in a desperate attempt to obtain a much needed liver transplant. She handled the last many painful days of her battle with the utmost of dignity and the greatest of courage. Judy was an accomplished Radiation Therapy Technologist, trained in the profession at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, later working there treating cancer patients. Throughout her seemingly nomadic life as her family followed her husband's career moves around the U.S., Judy got to see much of the country and made many friends from coast to coast. She went on to compassionately serve many terminally ill cancer patients at Muskogee General Hospital in Muskogee, OK and Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach, CA. She was renowned for her expertise in the field and her kind and compassionate nature with her patients. Judy was a very intelligent, sweet and kind woman who loved to read and did so voraciously. She enjoyed swimming and loved to learn, dabbling in many various college level courses at her local Saddleback College in CA, and involving herself in many unique and interesting hobbies throughout her life. Most of all she loved to support her daughter's singing and academic efforts, traveling to Rome to see her sing for the Pope, and her son's love of music and interest in the motion picture industry, supporting his many musical endeavors over the years. She was the most wonderful mother, kind, caring, reflective and very supportive. Her children were her world and she will forever be remembered for her devotion to them! Judy is survived by her beloved children, daughter, Shane McPartland of Stockholm, Sweden and son, Jace McPartland of Laguna Niguel, CA; her former husband of 15 years and friend until the end, Harry McPartland, III; her trusted and loving sisters-in-law, Rebecca and Vicky Russel of Cross Plains, TN; brothers, Jimmy, Earl and Bruce Russel of Cross Plains, TN; and sisters, Janet Hosale and Denise McCullan of Hendersonville, TN. Judy's remains will be cremated; her ashes will be brought to her home in Laguna Niguel, CA and spread in the Pacific Ocean that she loved so much. A celebration of Judy's life was held in Cross Plains, TN on Saturday, October 2 at the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, Judy would like us to make a donation to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, please go to www.rarediseases.org to make a donation in her name. Austin & Bell Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements. Register online at www.austinandbell.com.