Sandra J. Russell

Sandra Jean (Wheeler) Russell, 81, of East Longmeadow, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, surrounded by love. Born on May 8, 1944, Sandra lived a full and vibrant life rooted in family, creativity, and connection. She was the cherished daughter of the late Olive (Millie) and Rollin Beers.

Born and raised in East Longmeadow, Sandra carried her hometown roots with pride throughout her life. She was married to her beloved husband, Charles W. Russell Jr., for 49 devoted years, and she now joins him in eternal rest.

Sandra was a true entrepreneur at heart and loved to work. She found joy in creating - painting everything large and small, wallpapering, crafting, decorating, gardening, thrifting, and collecting interesting jewelry and angels. For the past 14 years, she also cherished time spent at her Florida villa in Bradenton, where she enjoyed sunshine, beauty, and making lasting memories with those she loved.

Family was everything to Sandra. She was crazy about her grandchildren and treasured every moment with them. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always ready with encouragement, practical help, or simply her steady presence. What people loved most about Sandra was her warmth, her silliness, her tendency to break into song at any moment, and her incredible ability to connect - she had a way of making everyone feel seen, valued, and truly special in her presence. She was blessed with many dear friends throughout her life and treasured those friendships deeply.

She is survived by her siblings, Linda Kjellberg and Jack Wheeler, and was predeceased by her brother, William Wheeler.

Sandra is also survived by her children: Richard Bourgeoise and his partner, Kiara Fryer; William Bourgeoise and his wife, Darlene Bourgeoise; Arthur Bourgeoise; Elle Bacon and her husband, Kevin Bacon; and Julie Russell and her fiancé, Anthony Frigo. She leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who will carry her love forward.

Services for Sandra will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 12:15 p.m. at the funeral home. A committal service will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sandra's memory to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

Sandra's kindness, creativity, and laughter will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is at peace.