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BORN
1931
DIED
2018
Kathleen Russell Obituary
September 10, 1931 - March 12, 2018
On Monday, March 12, 2018, Kathleen Florence Russell, passed away quietly at the age of 86 years. Kathleen will be forever remembered by her brothers, Stanley (Annie), Robert (Angela), her sister Helen (Keith), her niece Emily (Young), and nephew Edward (Sophie), her dedicated terrier, Grace, and her many dear friends.Kathleen was born on September 10, 1931, in Harrow, just outside of London, England. Kathleen's father, Sydney, worked for Eastman Kodak and at the start of World War II, Kodak offered employees the opportunity to send their children to Kodak's head offices in Rochester, New York to avoid the ravages of war. Kathleen and her brother, Stanley, arrived in Fairport, New York in 1939 where they lived with the Tuttle family.
When Kathleen returned to England in 1946 she resumed her education and eventually began nurse training. She began her career as a nurse at the Harrow Cottage Hospital where she was greatly respected for her gracious and caring manner. In 1963, she returned to the United States and moved to Ft. Lauderdale where she cared for an ailing Mrs. Tuttle. Kathleen made her way to San Francisco where she took a nursing job at Marshall Hale, which merged with Children's Hospital in 1989 and later became CPMC. After a long and rewarding career as a registered nurse, she retired from CPMC in 1997 but she remained active with private nursing duties and volunteer work through various organizations in the Bay Area.
In 2014, Kathleen was awarded the Unsung Hero Award by the San Francisco Beautiful organization. She planted and maintained a small garden at the Fulton and Stanyan corner of Golden Gate Park for many decades and greeted everyone she met – from a tourist to a neighbor to a homeless person in need – with love and light. She gave her time and beauty to all and was beloved by the whole community.
In 2018, Kathleen was honored by the San Francisco SPCA for her 30-years of selfless dedication to animals in their care and for her ongoing participation in the Animal Assisted Therapy program. Through this program, Kathleen and Grace comforted hundreds of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, and psychiatric facilities in the Bay Area.
Memorial donations in memory of Kathleen may be made to the San Francisco SPCA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Russell
terrence marsh
March 24, 2021
Kahleen was lovely, great talker, always asking questions about people she met, very lovely lady
July 6, 2018
I was walking into Golden Gate Park, past Kathleeen's Corner..when I saw the notice. Kathleen and I were not close friends, but I would often see her and Gracie and we would walk the Park together. She WAS Love and Light...not too many people like her these days...and I will TRULY miss her. I hope one of her Siblings had Gracie now... I would always smile with joy when I saw them! God's Heaven is richer for having Kathleen there...
Robin Lamb
Caesar J Castano
May 28, 2018
Caesar J Castano
May 28, 2018
Caesar J Castano
May 28, 2018
With Ruby & Caesar e=�
Ruby Koppel
May 25, 2018
You will be always remembered ♥
Marilyn Adamson
May 25, 2018
Just got off the bus today and a sign on the pole caught my eye. It was about the memorial service being held tomorrow for Kathleen. And then I realized that I hadn't seen her and Gracie for a while. What a wonderful person! I agree with what everyone else here has said about her. She was a real role model for all of us. I hope sweet Gracie has gone to a loving home and that her beautiful garden at the entrance of GG park is maintained. I was always amazed that she carried pails of water from her apartment across the street to water it as no nearby spigot. I will truly miss her and Gracie.
Grace Mai
Caesar Castano
May 25, 2018
I'm writing to let you know that there will be a memorial event in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, May 26th at 11am for our dear friend, Kathleen. We will meet at the corner of Fulton and Stanyan, where Kathleen gardened and greeted everyone with so much love and warmth for so many years.
The idea is that we will walk from there to the Fuchsia Dell; then on to the grassy hill in front of the statue at the Conservatory of Flowers; and then to the Rose Garden. Of course dogs are more than welcome. The walk will end where we started, but there's no obligation to do the walk all the way to the Rose Garden if that seems too far.
At each of the four spots, we will take time for anyone who would like to offer a few words or a story about Kathleen to share those with the group. So, please come with a remembrance - we'll all be glad to hear it.
Also, please do share this information with anyone you think would like to join us. In the true spirit of Kathleen, all are welcome.
Finally, if anyone has a good picture of Kathleen and Gracie, please send it to me. Thank you so much.
Elizabeth Levett Fortier
May 24, 2018
A dear lady, we will miss you so much in the neighborhood. You always had a smile for everyone. With warm affection always.
Michael Smith
April 19, 2018
You may live all life and never now someone.but you always see them were the home is. Love, live, life, miss you xoxo Dave be brave.. Friendship is starting to mean something. Thank you Michael A Smith pleased to know you Golden Gate Park will remember and Miss these as well.
Annette Connolly Contasti
April 18, 2018
Kathleen and Gracie blessed our dad, Pat Connolly and our family with their time and love. It made all the difference when she would visit. Forever grateful for the beautiful love from both of them.
Maggie Cunliffe
April 18, 2018
18th April 2018
Kathleen was an inspiration to us all. Her love and kindness to others was immeasurable.
'Never say in grief she is no more, only say in thankfulness she was'
Darling Kathy. Our chats always made me feel hopeful. Thank you.
Maggie (Angie's sister)
April 15, 2018
In early 1965, I was blessed to meet dearest Kathleen, or Kathy as I knew her, when renting a room at The Beresford Hotel on Sutter Street, in San Francisco. To get a better rate I agreed to share a bathroom with an adjoining room ..... and what luck, it was Kathy!! This lasted for about two months when I returned to the U.K. to marry my darling husband, Don, who was studying at the time for his final accountancy exams. We have been the firmest of friends ever since, although somewhat at a distance!
Kathy was perhaps the loveliest person I have ever met. She was goodness itself and she never said a bad word about anyone. I only wish that we had been able to see more of each other, although with the miles between us it was not surprisingly infrequent. I will always remember her with joy and hope that I have learned a little from her innate wisdom, grace and spiritual faith and depth.
I know you are resting in peace, Kathy, and like your other wonderful friends will miss you so much. What a privilege it has been to know you. My love always.
Rosie (U.K.)
Catherine Ghalebi
April 15, 2018
I am so blessed to have known Kathy, my dear Aunt and friend. Throughout her life; her shinning light and kind, generous nature; touched many lives and will never be forgotten.
I will always remember the times we spent together and the conversations we shared; with love.
April 15, 2018
We were charmed by the delightful Kathleen when we met her for the very first time at Ed and Sophie's wedding. Our lifelong friends Robert and Angela had tipped us off that Kathleen was a people (and animal) person and this showed by her interest in everyone and everything. Just one meeting but always remembered!
Nichola an Colin Swinney, Boston UK
April 15, 2018
We were sad to hear of Kathleen's passing. We met Kathleen only once when holidaying in San Francisco (Robert and Angela being our friends) some years ago.
We have never forgotten her kindness and warm welcome when she invited us to her home.
Her memory lives on.
Suzanne and Steve (UK)
Louise and Michael Snowball
April 14, 2018
When I remember Kathleen, I think of her smile and warmth and her ability to connect with you whether you'd been speaking with her 10 minutes ago or 10 years ago. Intelligent and lively and genuine.
Maria Conlon
April 14, 2018
Kathy
Kind beyond measure
A superpower of selflessness
Empowered by her passion for nature & all creatures great and small
A model of unconditional love
Quick to laugh or tell a joke
Thank you for sharing your light
I am forever changed by knowing you
Mum and Kathleen gaving a dance
Ed Russell
April 11, 2018
Sophie and Ed's wedding
Ed Russell
April 11, 2018
April 11, 2018
Our wonderful sister Kathleen.
She was such a loving, caring person who will be so sadly missed by family, friends and all whose lives she touched by her daily care and affection for those around her.
Helen, Robert and Stanley
Kathleen with Patti & Gracie
Maria Conlon
April 8, 2018
Kathleen on one of her many visits to our Dad.
Brian Connolly
April 3, 2018
Brian Connolly
April 3, 2018
An amazing spirit who truly graced us with her presence.
James Connolly
April 3, 2018
Forever grateful for Kathleen and little Gracie. Even though she did bark at me. Gracie, not Kathleen.
Veronica Connolly-Bagshaw
April 3, 2018
Kathleen, along with her little Gracie, was truly an angel on this planet. Our family was deeply blessed to know her; she was such an inspiration and model of kindness, compassion and love in action. The world was a brighter, better place with her in it.
Watering the plants at GGP
Caesar Castano
April 2, 2018
Going shopping to Trader Joe's
Caesar Castano
April 2, 2018
Caesar Castano
April 2, 2018
Grace Mai (Dog) & Kathleen
Caesar Castano
April 2, 2018
CaesarJ Castano
April 2, 2018
https://youtu.be/H0N0bxDQUM0
Kathleen' s Bday Party
Katheleen's Favorite Poem
CAESAR J Castano
April 2, 2018
Annette and Kathleen
Annette Hackett
April 2, 2018
I will miss our daily chats. Your kindness and generosity of heart, your thoughtfulness, and understanding are all missing, too. You found the good in everyone you met and are a source of inspiration to how we should all aspire to be. Rest at Peace, my dear friend.
This was a happy day with our dogs in Letterman Digital Arts Center Park in Presidio, in 2015..
Minette Siegel
April 2, 2018
Kathleen was my friend for many years and she inspired me in so many ways. She loved my dogs as much as me. And we shared a mutual friendship with our old friend Marilyn (Kathleen's former neighbor on Fulton Street. Kathleen was such a positive and loving person and a person of faith, so we could share our faith. With her passing, a light has gone out of the world but "our loss is Heaven's gain" and I know she is with God and having a reunion with her precious dog "Love" who I remember so well. I will forever remember and miss Kathleen and I thank the Lord that I will see her again someday
MARGERY MARSH
April 2, 2018
I MET Kathleen THROUGH MY COUSIN Annette, SHE WAS CERTAINLY A VERY UNIQUE PERSON.
SO INTEESTED IN EVERYTHING.
Kathleen WILL BE GREATLY MISSED,
HER PERSONALITY STRETCHED FROM AMERICA TO ENGLAND, AND US ON THE ISLE OF MAN.
Wilma George
April 1, 2018
Kristin Tieche
April 1, 2018
Kathleen was my neighbor for over ten years. She was extra kind not only to me, but also my two pets. She and I shared a love for animals and we bonded over our relationships to non-human species. I admired Kathleen for her dedication to her garden that she maintained every day in Golden Gate Park. She was always a neighborhood shero to me!
Kathleen was the best neighbor and friend I could have asked for during the 10+ years that we lived in the same building.
Kristin Tieche
April 1, 2018
Kathleen and Love
Ian Hackett
April 1, 2018
Kathleen was the epitome of a good citizen. She was sincere, selfless, and thoughtful. Her presence will be missed by many but she lived a good life and found joy and happiness in every situation.
Wilma Grorge
April 1, 2018
We have lost a wonderful,loving and caring friend. I met and worked with Kathy at MHMHospital and two Brits became friends! She was a shining example of the title Nurse in every way with patients and staff respecting and enjoying her caring and happy spirit .
She brought such positive energy!
She will always be in our hearts with many great memories to share
My deepest sympathy to Kathy,s family,
Wilma George
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