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Mary Russell Obituary

Mary V. Russell, 95, formerly of Worcester and Charlton, and recently of Chester, Massachusetts, died peacefully at home on June 12, 2008.

Mary was born on April 22, 1913 in Hartford, Connecticut, daughter of Edward J. and Mary C. (McDonald) Villnave.

Mary graduated from South High School in Worcester.

She worked for the City of Worcester Health Department managing various dental clinics within the Worcester Public School system, retiring in 1980.

Her husband, James F. Russell, Sr. died in 1982 and her son, James F. Russell, Jr. died in 1972. She is also predeceased by her brothers: Edward, John, Elmer and Ernest Villnave and her sisters: Margaret Bergen and Alice Villnave.

She leaves her two sons: Thomas J. Russell and his wife Linda of Shrewsbury, Gerard F. Russell and his wife Margaret of Charlton; two daughter: Mary E. Russell of Springfield and Ann T. Russell of Chester. During the last seven years, Mary was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Ann and her friend, Susan Kucharski in Chester. She also leaves her grandsons: Thomas, Matthew, Timothy and Joseph and granddaughters: Jessica Prest, Elizabeth and Catherine Russell and nine great-grandchildren.

Mary was proud to receive the Boston Post Cane in April 2008 for being distinguished as the oldest resident of the town of Chester.

Her family will always remember and celebrate her for her strength, her deep faith and her great uniting love of family.

Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, are Sunday, June 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. The funeral Mass will be Monday, June 16 at 11:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, 10H Putnam Road Ext., Charlton. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Problem Pregnancy, 625 Lincoln St., Worcester 01605.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Jun. 14 to Jun. 15, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Russell

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4 Entries

Anna Marie Kane, SSJ

June 17, 2008

Mary, Ann and family,
I wish to extend to you my heartfelt sympathy at this time of your mother's death and funeral. May God's gentle embrace console you.

Kate, joe, Taylor and Alexis Mercier

June 15, 2008

To Jess and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult and sad time. Your grandmother lived a great long life that is for sure. May she live in your hearts forever. May wonderful memories of her help to ease the pain. Thinking of you..

Tracy Will

June 14, 2008

My heart goes out to all of you during this sad time. I have heard so much about your mother/grandmother/great grandmother, and clearly she was an extraordinary human being. May all your wonderful memories keep her close to you in the years to come. She is with God now.

Alyssa Noel

June 14, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Alyssa & Ashleigh

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