Celia M. Russell

Friday, November 18, 2011

Celia M. Russell of Hollis, NH passed away on November 1, 2011 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Celia was born in Oxford, England on April 29, 1926. She graduated from the Milham Ford School in Oxford and was employed as a tax officer with the IRS. In 1948, Celia married Gordon Russell, also of Oxford and in 1952, the couple emigrated to the USA. After riding a tandem bicycle from New York to Paris, Texas, they settled in Dallas.

When her youngest child started school, Celia attended the University of Texas, Arlington where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in French and Spanish. She taught French, Spanish and English at Carter High School in Dallas for seventeen years. She received a Master’s Degree from the University of Texas, Arlington in 1975.

Celia was the first varsity soccer coach at Carter High School. In addition, she was a qualified referee and played, coached and refereed soccer until she was 58. She was also an avid gardener, knitter and an accomplished stained glass artist.

When Celia retired, she and Gordon traveled all over the United States and Canada. They also took many trips to Europe. One of her favorite places was Alsace, France where she made several good friends over the years.

Celia and her husband moved to Hollis, NH in 1992. She was involved with the Maple Hill Gardeners at Beaver Brook Association, the Hollis Garden Club and the Friends of the Hollis Library.

Celia is survived by her beloved husband, Gordon Russell; her daughter and son-in-law, Anne Russell and John Lumbard of Hollis; three sons and daughters-in-law, Stephen and Karen Russell of Quitman, Texas, David and Karen Russell and Gregory and Judith Russell of Dallas; eight grandchildren, one great-grandson.

A private family funeral service is planned. Memorial donations may be made to Beaver Brook Association, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, NH 03049.