Virginia P. Russell, a much respected and admired Tiffin St. Mary’s School educator of more than 20 years, has died at the age of 90 at Friedman Village Hearth and Home. Her death on July 8, 2007 at 11:40pm followed a brave battle with cancer. Before her illness, she resided at her residence on Second Avenue for over 51 years. Until the end, she was accepting and grateful for her wonderful life and continued to be in good humor. She was a devoted Catholic and drew much strength in life and in death from her faith.
Virginia was born on December 30, 1916 in Dayton, Ohio to Raymond H. and Helen (Holzen) Lemon. In 1934, she graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Flint, Michigan and attended Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan for two years. In 1941, she married Clayton S. Russell who preceded her in death in 1984. She is survived by her children Patricia “Tish” (Mike) Daly of San Juan Capistrano, California, Clayton “Buzz” (Lisa) Russell of Tiffin, and Mary Helen (Scot Tutton) Russell of Folsom, California; five grandchildren, Maureen Weiner, Jennifer (Todd) Daly-Fishbaugher, Tim (Carrie) Daly, Brian Daly, Dane (Jennifer) Donaldson; two step-grandchildren, Kris (Amy) Mitchell and Kershauna Young; and five great-grandchildren, Adam and Justin Weiner, Ryann and Evan Daly, and Ryder Donaldson.
She began teaching at St. Mary’s School in 1959 and retired in 1980. During that time, she completed her college education attending Heidelberg College and Bowling Green State University where she graduated in 1971. Prior to entering the education field, Virginia was an excellent and proud homemaker, a member of The Altar Rosary Society, Church Women United, St. Francis Auxiliary, a volunteer for Mercy Hospital meal delivery, Y-Wives, a past board member of Allen Eiry Center, Tiffin Elks and K of C.
Virginia loved spending time with family and friends and doing volunteer service and enjoyed walking, golf and playing bridge. In her later years, she was able to maintain her independence at home with the help of her friend Carolyn Heiser, whom she referred to as her “in-town daughter”. She also relied on the kindness of her dear friends, Tiffin residents Marge Gillig and Helen Whitaker. The family wishes to thank Hearth and Home, Heartland Hospice, and Sister Jane Francis and the Sisters at St. Francis and Father David Ross and Father Tim Ferris for the attention they provided her during the final months.
It was Mrs. Russell’s wish that all memorials be made to Tiffin Catholic Schools or a charity of the donor’s choice.
The Funeral Mass will be 1 pm, Friday, July 13, 2007, at St. Mary Catholic Church, officiated by Rev. David Ross. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Tiffin. Visitation will be Thursday, July 12, 2007 from 11 am to 1 pm and from 6 pm to 9 pm, at Traunero Funeral Home, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio (419) 447-3113.
Mrs. Russell's tribute video will be available for viewing on Wednesday.