Helen Odegaard Russell

12/30/1927 - 6/1/2024

Niantic - Helen Odegaard Russell, born in Bogota, N.J., Dec. 30, 1927, passed away June 1, 2024, in Niantic, after a brief illness.

Helen graduated from Bogota High School in New Jersey, as a member of the National Honor Society. She attended Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, graduating in 1949. After graduation, she took a three-month bicycle, boat and train tour of Norway, Denmark, Germany, Holland, France and England, including studying at the University of Oslo.

Helen raised her children in Middletown. She also lived in Saco, Maine, Greenfield, Plymouth and Marshfield, Mass., and Portland spending her final years in Niantic. She was always active within her community. Helen had numerous jobs including MARC, Wesleyan University and Aetna, as well as selling real estate. She loved following UConn basketball, the Patriots and the Red Sox.

Helen leaves behind her four children: Beth Russell Campo and Norman of Barre, Vt., Cathy Russell Pleines of Marshfield, Mass., Andy Russell and Pam of Old Lyme, and Debbie Russell Smith and Andy of Woodbury; as well as eleven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by parents, Arthur Erling Odegaard and Nellie Olsen Odegaard; brother Arthur Odegaard; and son-in-law Daniel Pleines.

Calling hours will be at 10 a.m. Monday, June 10, with a service at 11 a.m. at Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National MS Society. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.