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Frances Russell Obituary
Frances (Vail) Russell, of New Britain, widow of David Dickinson Russell, Jr., passed away unexpectedly, Saturday (June 18, 2016) at the Hospital of Central CT in New Britain. Born in Hartford, Fran graduated from Oxford School, the Wheelock College in Boston and received her Masters in Early Education from CCSU. She has lived in New Britain since 1955. Mrs. Russell lovingly taught Kindergarten at Lincoln School for many years before her retirement. Since retirement, she was active at First Church of Christ, Congregational in New Britain; the YWCA, HOCC - New Britain General, and was a former President of the Auxiliary, also serving as a hospital corporator. She volunteered at the information desk, directing families from far and wide. She was active in the NBMAA, Art League of New Britain, New Britain Symphony, Art for the Cure, Race for the Cure, and Corporator of the Klingberg Family Center. She was a former Board Member of the Junior League of Greater New Britain. Surviving are three daughters, Linda Sniadack of Kensington; Ann Dilling and her husband Steven of New Britain; and Elizabeth Sibicky and her husband Charles of Griswold; a sister, Hazel B. Vail of West Hartford; and seven grandchildren, Christine and William Sniadack, Joseph, Thomas and James Dilling, and David Sibicky and his wife Brady, and Christopher Sibicky and his wife Stephanie. Funeral services will be held Friday 10 AM at Fist Church of Christ Congregational, 830 Corbin Avenue, New Britain. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be held Thursday 5 to 7 PM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. Instead of donations going to a charity: "Any donation should be made in the form of help and service to the community or kindness and love to someone in need". Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Frances Russell
Sponsored by the family.
Kathleen Sauer
June 15, 2024
Sweet Fran is remembered and appreciated still. Rest peacefully.
Kathleen Sauer
Lindsey Johnson
August 8, 2021
Thinking of Mrs. Russell and her sweet Lizzie, who joined her way too soon. You are both remembered with love and devotion.
oxoxoxoxox
Lindsey
June 28, 2017
It is for some reason this morning I looked up Mrs. Russell. as I wanted to send her a correspondence. I am so sad to see that she has passed. She had such a profound effect on so many lives, gleefully, skillfully and magically teaching kindergarten in the beautiful bright room at Lincoln School. She made school fun, always a smile. Created a space of predictability, creativity with such refinement. Years later to this very day my favorite book remains Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel. Mrs. Russell, thank you. When my own mother passed in 2014, she came and it was profoundly comforting to see her. I was so grateful. She will be missed but has cast her own special pebble in the pond that will ripple throughout generations to come. Through teaching, parenting or just a favorite book. God Bless you Mrs. Russell, well done.
Lynda Lee Lathan, London, England
Carol Gordon
July 23, 2016
I have just learned of Fran's passing. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. What a wonderful woman she was! Her spirit lives on in the many people's lives she touched. Fran was my daughter Jessica's kindergarten teacher at Lincoln school. From the moment my family met her, we loved her. Her warmth, her caring and her love of children was evident. We became good friends and shared many happy moments together, including Jess' graduation from High School.
The solid foundation and love of learning instilled by Fran are evident every day as Jessica carries out her work as a Professor of Philosophy. Although we moved from New Britain 17 years ago, Fran and I would stay in touch, and she was always so eager to hear how everyone was doing.
The world is a better place because of Fran. May she rest in peace.
Caroline Johnson Genners
June 27, 2016
Sending my condolences to Lizzie and the family upon hearing of Mrs. Russell's passing. She was a wonderful teacher and human being who touched many, many lives.
June 24, 2016
Sorry for your loss. What a sweet
Lady she was. She taught both my sons @ Lincoln. Fran Gendron
Lindsay Atwater
June 24, 2016
Liz, Charlie, and the Boys I am so sorry to read of the passing of Liz's mother and the boys grandmother. Please accept my deepest condolences on your losses.
Lindsey Johnson
June 23, 2016
To all of Mrs. Russell family: Thank you so much for sharing her with so many for so many years! She was an amazing teacher, parent, volunteer and role model for so many of us. She held -- and will always hold -- a special place in so many hearts who first thought "I can" because she encouraged us to try and believe! Love to her and all of you! Special hugs to you, Lizzie!!
xoxoxoxo
Lindsey Johnson
Patricia Riccio
June 22, 2016
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Fran Russell . She was such a lovely lady and a postive influence in our community . i will remember her kindness. My condolences to her family.
Alice O'Hara
June 22, 2016
I have always remembered her as a very pretty blond girl of 24 when she was engaged and working at Elizabeth Park as an employee of the Parks Dept. I came to know Hazel attending Adult Ed. classes many years later. My deepest sympathy to the family.
may ingves
June 22, 2016
Liz and family, I was saddened to hear of your mothers passing. She touched so many lives and will be sadly missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.
June 22, 2016
So sorry for your loss.
Larry 7 Cathie Proulx
June 21, 2016
I have known Fran almost as long as we have lived in the New Britain community, about 38 years. She was always a willing and helpful volunteer with the Junior League of Greater New Britain and Noel Boutique as well as at THOCC where she served on the Auxiliary and as the #1 volunteer. She knew everyone and how everything "worked" there. Always willing to assist and offer encouragement, I valued her friendship and guidance. I will miss her-
Lindy Martin
Kathleen Sauer
June 21, 2016
How our community will miss this kind, gracious, committed and warm woman! Fran gave her talents and her love to the littlest ones at Lincoln School and, after retirement, continued to assist the people and institutions of New Britain in a myriad of ways. I so value the interactions I shared with Fran for more than three decades. She was one-in-a-million and brought nothing but positivity to our lives.
My condolences to her family. ❤
Mark - Stephen Giulietti - Hard
June 21, 2016
Frannie was a wonderful lady and a great friend! We will miss her smile and her laugh. We'll have a Manhattan for you, Frannie.
Mark & Stephen
A.W. Carlson Funeral Home
June 21, 2016
Our sincere sympathies for your loss.
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