Joanne L. Russell, 88, a longtime resident of Norwich, passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Chenango Memorial Hospital with family by her side.
Born December 11, 1928, in Lyons, NY, Joanne was the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Quagliarello) DeLuca. She graduated from high school in her hometown of Clyde, NY, and immediately pursued a bachelor’s degree in teaching at Oswego State Teacher’s College.
Soon after graduating with a teaching degree, Joanne began her decades-long career in teaching in the Norwich City Schools, and primarily at Perry Browne School. She was very devoted to her students and their families, and had a special place in her heart for children with difficult circumstances. Joanne could always be depended upon as their gentle advocate.
In 1954, in Norwich, Joanne married her husband and soulmate of 62 years, William L. Russell, who survives. Together they took joy in raising their two children.
Joanne was generally regarded by her family and friends as a “gentle soul.” In later years, she very much enjoyed cooking, baking and visiting with friends and neighbors.
Despite her frail health in recent years, Joanne maintained a strong will and determination to care for her loved ones.
Joanne also cherished her winter travels with her husband in their motor home to West Palm Beach, FL, where they resided for many years after their retirement. She enjoyed traveling with her husband in their motor home to many other places of interest for sightseeing.
In addition to her husband, Joanne is survived by her children, Marisa Marcellus, of Watertown, and William J. Russell, of Norwich; grandchildren, Anna Egorova, of Midland, TX, and Adrienne Marcellus, of Watertown; and great-grandson, Vasily Egorov. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Cole, and niece Kim Cole.
Funeral services for Joanne will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2017, at the Wilson Funeral Home, where Deacon David Kirsch will officiate. Burial will take place in the spring at Mt. Hope Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the Norwich Fire Squad and the staff at Chenango Memorial Hospital for tending to Joanne’s emergency needs with such care and compassion.
To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.