Elinor Caroline Russell

Services are being planned and will be announced.

In the comfort of her cherished home, surrounded by the embrace of those she loved most, Elinor Caroline Russell, our beloved matriarch, completed her journey of faith, love, and unwavering devotion home to her Lord Jesus. Though our hearts ache with the weight of her passing, we find peace and strength in the promise of the faith that she always taught us. We know that she has been received into the arms of the good Lord and reunited with her beloved "honey" and husband Clyde Russell.

Born in Kingston, New York, on January 31st 1943, she was the daughter of Esther and Sherman Moore. She grew up in Glenford, NY alongside her siblings and most cherished friends who she couldn't wait to see in heaven, Sherman Oliver Moore, Sarah Fairbairn and Marlene McCall. Elinor got married as a teenager to Harold Downes.They were predeceased by their second born, a daughter, Lois Ann.They had two young children and one on the way (David, Donald, and Dawn Downes) when she became a widow.

For 53 years, she was the devoted wife of Clyde Russell, who predeceased her December 25th, 2023. The two owned and operated Russell Bus Company in West Hurley. Together they had a son (Robert Russell) and raised their four children.Together they all enjoyed snowmobiling, sporting events, camping, church events, singing, bowling and many other activities. In the later years, side by side, hand in hand, they enjoyed going out to their favorite restaurants, traveling in their motorhome to visit the Amish Country and the Sight & Sound theater in PA. They spent countless weekends at the dirtcar races cheering on her favorite Brett Hearn with many friends and often the company of their grandchildren.

Elinor was the director of the youth group and a lifelong member of the Glenford/Reservoir United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She followed her faith through every trial and test, never complained, instead hit her knees and threw her prayers up to the Lord trusting him with all of her being. She received many miracles in her lifetime. She helped many others find their faith and stay strong when it would be easy to lose sight. Her testament to the Lord was remarkable, and something instilled in all of her loved ones because of her strength. She was undoubtedly "a good and faithful servant." The best mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, and stranger- often inviting those in need to her table for holidays. She always listened, offered advice, a meal, and the best warm hugs.

Survived by the lights of her life, her children David Downes of West Hurley, NY, Donald- "the favorite" (Debbie) Downes of Boiceville, NY, Dawn (Albert) Wiacek of West Hurley, NY, and Robert Russell (Marcus Ferrara) of FL. Elinor's pride and joy were in the eyes of her 6 grandchildren, whom she adored, sharing smiles, laughs and scares with! Troy (Isadora) & Tyler (Katrina) Downes, Andrew Russell, Emma (Traci) Lane, Marissa (Ryan) Carroll, and "the favorite" Megan Wiacek (Cory Beesmer). She later enjoyed the giggles and wonder of her four great-grandchildren, Sadie & Rebecca Downes, and Liliana & Waylon Lane, and special friend Myles Cowan. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, church family and friends. Saying she was the Best Mom/Grandma ever simply wouldn't be enough. Her children and grandchildren will continue to love her unconditionally just like she taught them until they meet her again. To know her was to love her and to be loved by her was everything.

Her family would like to extend the most heartfelt thank you to January DeBellis & Hudson Valley Hospice, and her beloved caregivers and friends, Bernadine Morton (her real life angel), Lily Pollard (her honorary granddaughter), and Diane Sorbellini (her bedtime buddy). In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Reservoir United Methodist Church.