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Phillis Russakoff Obituary
The second daughter of Morris and Esther (Paluba) Weiner, Phillis was born in Boston on Aug. 1, 1930. Her first brush with fame came at age 3 when her photo appeared on the Boston American's front page after the fire department rescued her from being inadvertently locked in a bathroom for several hours. Phillis graduated Boston's Jeremiah Burke High School at 16, completed business courses and went to work for Boston diamond merchant David Morss. There she met future husband Archie Russakoff, then on a buying trip for his Skowhegan jewelry store. They married in 1950 and settled in Skowhegan where Phillis became a homemaker and mother. Phillis was recognized in 1966 as an Outstanding Young Woman of America; she served as president of Skowhegan's chapters of Semper Fidelis, the Women's Club and the Woman's Aid Society. She served on the boards of Kennebec Valley Mental Health, the State Board of Psychological Examiners and Redington-Fairview General Hospital.
Joining Archie in the jewelry business, Phillis was known for her discerning eye for quality and personalized attention to customers. A 52-year member of The Order of the Eastern Star, Sunset Chapter, Phillis cherished this association above all. She took great pride in the quality of her installations and ritual work, served as secretary for 39 years, and rose to positions of state and national significance. Her OES family truly became her second family. Phillis was a Dedimus Justice and Notary Public, performing numerous wedding ceremonies in the area. She diligently served as ombudsman/patient advocate to residents of two area nursing homes. She will be remembered for her sense of style, gracious manners and beautiful presentation.
Phillis was predeceased by husband I. Arthur Russakoff.
Surviving are daughter Marjory Russakoff and her husband, Phillips Lauriat, of Southwest Harbor; son William Russakoff and his wife, Linda Mace, of Cornville; son Andrew Russakoff and his wife, Donna, of Skowhegan; brother-in-law Dr. Philip Russakoff and his wife, Maxine, of Skowhegan; grandchildren Jared Vestal, Elaine Lauriat, Leah and Amy Russakoff; sister Lorraine and her husband, Harry Robbins, of Stoughton, Mass.; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 26, at Beth Israel Congregation in Waterville. A committal service for the family will follow at an Auburn cemetery. A celebration of life will occur at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 11, at the Masonic Hall on Water Street, Skowhegan.
Donations may be made to the Phillis W. Russakoff Education Scholarship, c/o William S. Randall, Trustee of Bloomfield Academy, 20 Patrick St., Skowhegan, ME 04976.
Burial arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phillis Russakoff
The Russakoff Family
April 21, 2010
Thank you all for your expressions of sympathy. These have been a tremendous comfort to our family during this difficult time.
Henry & Shirley Whittemore
April 10, 2010
Phillis will be greatly missed by the community and the many organizations which she served so faithfully. She was witty and elegant and her feet were solidly on the ground, respecting and greeting everyone who was fortunate enough to cross her path with equal graciousness. The angels will love her.
May the many prayers reaching out to you give you peace and comfort. Lovingly,
Sally Foster
April 10, 2010
I extend my condolences to the Russakoff family. My family has always enjoyed your store, and service, but it has been a joy and an honor to know Phillis and your whole family. You have always been kind to us all. I pray for the Lord's comfort for you and yours. Your mother was a wonderful and fine woman and I am thankful I knew her even a little! Sal
Daniel Weatherbee
April 2, 2010
Most heartfelt sympathy for your family, Mama, was a wonderfully spirited person, an inspiration to many.What she did, made a difference in us all.
Brightest Blessings~
Danny & Will
Bob & Betty Brown
March 30, 2010
To the Russakoff Family
Our sincere sympathy to you in the loss of your mother. She served as a District Deputy during our 1998-99 Grand Family. She was a special lady and a wonderful person. She will be sadly missed by many of her Sisters and Brothers in Eastern Star. May your memories bring you comfort.
Helen
March 28, 2010
Dear Andy, Donna, Leah and Amy,
I know the loss of a parent/grandparent is very painful. Keep your happy memories close to your heart and it will help. Please know you have my sympathy and are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Howard & Barbara Robbins
March 28, 2010
Marge, Bill, Andy and families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
March 28, 2010
Dear Russakoff Family, What am I going to do when I need to change the style of my jewelry?
Phillis will be missed by all who knew her and I am glad to call her a special friend and O.E.S. Sister.
"When someone you love becomes a Memory, the Memory becomes a Treasure"
Jerri A. Holt, P.G.M., Ellsworth, Maine
Pauline Morin
March 28, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Martha Smart
March 28, 2010
Marge, Bill, Andy & Families,
My heart goes out to you in the loss of your dear mother and grandmother, Phillis. She was a beautiful person both inside and out and always the gracious lady. She will be sadly missed by her family, friends, and community.
Lillian Dickason (Pike)
March 28, 2010
Andrew,Donna and family. I am sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She's only away. For when your heart has had time to heal, you will find..she's there always in your heart. Bless you all.
Terry Gunzinger
March 27, 2010
Dear Russakoff Family: It was with great sorrow that we learned of Phyillis's passing. She was an elegant lady with a great heart. Not many people could out class Phyillis. We will always have many cherished memories of times spend with Archie and Phillis during our Lions Club years. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Terry & Linda Gunzinger
Belinda Dunlap Jones
March 27, 2010
I had the pleasure of meeting Phyillis Russakoff at Cedar Ridge Rehab Center in Skowhegan where my dear Aunt Helen Hunnewell was a resident for 26 months. Mrs. Russakoff leaves a smile on my face as I remember her coming to visit, offering assistance if needed. A very gracious, lovely lady. Aunt Helen and I visited Russakoff Jewelers often for an adjustment in her precious wedding set. It was a pleasure to take her to a place and to people she remembered. Thank you. Peace be with you all.
In memory of: Helen Dunlap Hunnewell 05/15/1910-04/04/2009
March 26, 2010
Andrew, Donna and family. Please know that our most sincere sympathies are with you in this hour of need. Sonia was so appreciative of your mother's interest and concern. We all found her to be a person of great compassion and of genuine concern for others. I, particularly, shall miss her wonderful presence. Blake (Hernando, MS)
Jack Gordon
March 26, 2010
Marge, Bill and Andy,
I'm sorry to hear the passing of your mother. It was always great to see and talk to her. She will be greatly missed by all. A very genuine and classy person and a real treasure to have known. My thoughts are with you all. Wish I could be there for support.
Edna & Stephen Hale
March 26, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Ronn Plourde
March 26, 2010
Marge,Bill,Andy, and families, I was sad to hear of the passing of you mother. I don't remember ever seeing her when she didn't go out of her way to talk to me and find out how I was doing. She was one classy lady
Gary Bowman
March 26, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
March 25, 2010
dear family: i was so very sorry to hear your mom died this week..this obituary was forwarded to me.... lot of years have passedsince i was in touch with your mom, however she was a lovely.gracious and engaging caring person..i arrived in skowhegan, married to dick sterns..2 month old baby, michael under my arm..your mom and i became friends and of course we were 2 of the jewish families in skowhegan , maine..an instant bonding incurred..i wish you all love and take care of one another..as ever, susan hannan
Donna Greene Clukey
March 25, 2010
Marge,Billy,Andy, and families. I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom.She was such a kind person and will be greatly missed by so many people. Sending you my condolences, and hugs to give you strength as you all find your own way to cope with the loss of someone who meant so much to you . Sincerely,
Paat Pendleton
March 25, 2010
Marjory: Your mother sounds like a very elegant, much loved lady. I'm thinking of you in this time of sorrow. Take care.
Dominic Manzer
March 25, 2010
Bill and Linda,
Carol and I are sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Wish we could be there to directly support you and your loved ones, but are with you in spirit.
Erma & Jack Zaiser
March 25, 2010
What a sad day it was to hear of the passing of Phillis. We knew her as a friend and mentor. I first met her when I became a member of Eastern Star. When I was in the East, Phillis guided me through my first year. Whenever I was in town, I would always stop into the store to say hello. My last visit with her was in September, 2009 when we were back in Maine visiting family. She was such a gracious lady and I know will be greatly missed by all.
March 25, 2010
Andy, Donna and family - we were so sorry to hear about Phillis' passing - our thoughts are with you - may all the good memories carry you through this difficult time - Scott and Patty Berry
March 25, 2010
Phillis was the epitome of "lady" in all ways...the most delightful, friendly person to everyone. She'll be greatly missed.
Al "Sonny" and Kay Coombs
Green Valley,AZ
Nicole Whitman
March 25, 2010
Andy, Donna, Leah, and Amy,
My God bring you comfort in this time of sorrow. Sorry for the loss of a wonderful lady. May God bring you peace and wrap his arms around you all and show you the rainbow again.
Jeanne and Craig Barnaby
March 25, 2010
Andy, Donna and family - So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Remember the love...
Ruth Buzzell Kivela
March 25, 2010
Phillis was my employer, my mentor and my friend for many years: far beyond the 16 years of my employmnt. Her family became my family and mine hers. We are richer and wiser for having known her and all her family. Rest well, my friend.
Andy and Donna and girls, Marge Phillip and kids, and Bill and Linda: I am with you in spirit and as always at the other end of the phone.
Love you all-
Ruth Buzzell Kivela
March 25, 2010
Bill, We are sorry to hear of your loss, and our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Muriel Fish & David Houston (Smithfield, ME)
Priscilla Gilblair
March 25, 2010
I am so very sorry to learn that Phillis has passed away. She was a lovely lady who I will truly miss. May the memories of your time together console you.
March 25, 2010
To the family of Phillis Russakoff: What a dear friend and supporter she was of mine through all my years of serving the Town of Skowhegan.She was a special person to many no matter what their background was.I always looked up to Phillis she was indeed an icon in Skowhegan.Norman always joked with her about he eats brocolli but he did not keep his youth as she did!! She always was proud of her family and will missed by so many.Our thoughts are with you all and we are sorry we will not be able to attend the services as we do not return until May 1 Treasure all those special memories you have.Sincerely Norman and Pat Dickey,
Joy Mase
March 25, 2010
Phillis is an inspiring woman who will be sadly missed by all. My heart goes out to her family.
Karie Hardy
March 25, 2010
Andy, Donna, Leah & Amy....
My thoughts are with you and your family in this time of loss. Phillis was a wonderful presence of a person and WILL be remembered for her presentation & mannerism.
My sympathy..
Karie (Laney) Hardy
Butch Asselin
March 25, 2010
What a wonderful woman and community leader. To the family, I am sorry for your loss. She will always be fondly remembered.
Dick and Marge Goodwin
March 25, 2010
Phillis was our friend. We will miss her very much.
Jennifer Poirier
March 25, 2010
Bill and Linda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My God grant you the strength you need though this difficult time.
Susanne and Melanie (karens kloset)
March 25, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Willie Ashe
March 25, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Phillis was an awsome lady, i have lots of good memories of her.
Rich Hendren
March 25, 2010
Dear Marge and Andy,
What an elegant lady she was. I remember visits to your home when Margie and I were teens and Andy had a new drum set. Your mom was always kind to me, and my grandmother thought she was a very special person. I pray our Lord gives you strength and her peace.
Ellen Rhinehart
March 24, 2010
Marge, Andy - I'm so sorry about the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Normand & Gaby` Albert
March 24, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss and would like to express our deepest sympathy to Andy & Donna entire family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. If you need anything let us know
Andy & Donna Our prayers are with you.
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