Obituary of Mary D. Russell

Bakers Mills: Mary D. Russell, 89, of Bakers Mills Road, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born January 7, 1923 in Speculator, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Gertrude (Lamphear) Yennard. Mary was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a long time member of the Bakers Mills Wesleyan Church until her health prevented her from attending. She then continued her daily Bible readings as well as Bible Devotions. Mary acted as her mother’s caregiver for many years until her passing and later was employed by the Black Mountain Motel until she began her career at the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where she eventually retired from the dietary department. Besides spending time with her family and friends, she enjoyed flowers, trees, gardening, as well as sitting on her porch watching and feeding birds. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles and word searches. Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her beloved husband, Bernard Russell who passed in 1966 and her daughter, Barbara Mallon who passed in 1987. She is survived by her children: Thomas Russell of Warrensburg; Nathan Russell and his wife, Janine of Bakers Mills; Alvin Russell and his wife, Jean of Bakers Mills; Mary Howe and her husband, Steve of Olmstedville; her grandchildren: Maureen Carmody, Tammy Cook, Cindy Howe, Melissa Reed, Debbie Russell, Amy Russell, Laurie Clark, John Russell, Steve Howe, and Jesse Howe. She is also survived by two sisters, Mulvena Yennard Russell and Ellen Yennard Russell; a brother, Adlore Yennard; sister-in-law, Rosalee Russell; 15 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mary’s devoted dog, Sadie was her loving companion for the past 14 years and will miss her greatly. Friends may call on Mary’s family from 2 to 4 pm, Sunday, October 14, 2012 at the Sodom Community Church, Johnsburg. A funeral service to celebrate her life will follow at 4:00 pm, Sunday with Rev. Ron Allen, Pastor officiating. Burial will take place at 11 am, Monday in Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg. Mary’s family would like to give a special thank you to Kjerstia Schilinsky, who has been providing her with loving care, friendship, and spiritual fellowship for over eight years, as well as Shannon Houlahan with long term care for her devotion to Mary and her family, and Penny Clarke for her compassionate care. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Sodom Community Church, Johnsburg. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.