Margaret Weed Russell

MARGARET WEED RUSSELL

Margaret "Peggy" Weed Russell, 92, of Montclair, died on Friday, Sept. 7.

There will be a memorial service at noon on Saturday, Sept. 15, in St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 73 South Fullerton Ave., Montclair.

Born and raised in Montclair, a lifelong third-generation resident, Mrs. Russell was the daughter of Newell P. Weed and Gretchen Greenwood Weed. Her father was a highly decorated officer in World War I, and his brother Walker Weed is listed on the Edgemont War Memorial. She graduated from Montclair High School and Bennett Junior College, and married Graham L. Russell.

Mrs. Russell worked for Unity Institute in Montclair on its Concert Series. Later, she spent 18 years working as director of community affairs for Union Camp Corp. in Wayne. During those years, she served on the boards of directors for many civic organizations, including the Montclair State College Advisory Council, the North Essex Arts Council, and Willowbrook Ministries, where she served as president in 1972 and 1973. She received awards for extraordinary service from the Passaic Valley United Way, Explorer Scouts, the Ridgewood YMCA's Tribute to Women in Industry, and others.

After retirement, Mrs. Russell served on the Board of Directors of Lexington Management Corp. She was a docent at the Montclair Historical Society and at the Montclair Art Museum, and was a member and volunteer at Van Vleck House & Gardens. She enjoyed traveling, visiting with her many friends, and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved books, music, her cats and dogs, and vigorous political discussions.

A lifelong member of St. Luke's Church, where she was baptized, confirmed, and married, she also served on the Vestry, the Altar Guild, and at the Second Time Around Shop.

Mrs. Russell was predeceased by her husband, Graham L. Russell; her son, David Lewis Russell II; and her brother, Newell P. Weed Jr. She is survived by her son, Gray Russell and his wife Linda of Montclair; her daughter, Gretchen Russell Gammons and her husband, Edward Gammons; her grandchildren, Anne Gammons Crocco (Alexander), David Russell Gammons, and Debby Gammons Brown (Christopher); her stepgranddaughter, Sandie Jeffers Gillespie (Douglass); and five great-grandchildren, Gordon, Michael, Elizabeth, Charlotte, and Tess.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Luke's Episcopal Church (info@slechurch.org); or The Nature Conservancy (NJ), (www.nature.org). For online condolences, visit www.moriartyfuneralhome.com.