Mrs. Russell was born on August 8, 1934, in Washington, D.C., to Henrietta A. and Martin A. Schubert. Her mother died when she was 11, and she was raised by her loving father. She graduated from Holy Cross Academy in 1952 and attended Immaculata Junior College in Washington, D.C.

In March, 1958 she met Robert P. Russell on a blind date and they were married in November of the same year. Their marriage of more than 51 years was a case of mutual adoration.

The only source of disagreement was baseball. Mr. Russell is a real fan. Mrs. Russell was not. They didn’t have such disagreements when it came to football. They were season ticket holders to the Washington Redskins in the early 1960s and continued to root for them until her death.

Their marriage produced a loving family. Mrs. Russell is survived by her husband Bob; three daughters, Pamela R. Lawler and her husband, Michael of Glastonbury, Conn., Elizabeth A. Russell and her boyfriend Lee Phillips of Cape Porpoise and Suzanne R. Spaulding and her husband Jack of Portsmouth, N.H.; and a son, Robert C. Russell and his wife Julie of Kennebunk Beach.

She is also survived by five grandchildren, Katharine and Sarah Lawler, Margaret G. Russell and Robert and William Rollins. Mrs. Russell was predeceased by her firstborn child, Margaret A. Russell, in 1969.

Mrs. Russell was a two-time cancer survivor: breast cancer in 1976 and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2001, the treatment for which lead to a stem cell transplant in early 2002.

She loved being a mother and homemaker. She was always involved in her children’s activities and relished in the fun and challenges of home decorating. She had plenty of experience as her husband’s career in sales kept them on the move until arriving in Kennebunkport in 1987. All stops were good locales for “early American” antique furniture. Mrs. Russell never allowed her husband to pass a sign that read “antiques.”

Arriving in Kennebunkport for year-round living in 1987, Mrs. Russell spent over 10 years working at Dock Square Clothiers. Here she was able to pursue her second passion – collecting outfits. She was responsible for the inventory and, as such, was the first in the store to open, inspect and choose for herself from the new merchandise that arrived daily. She leaves four closets full of clothes, one for every season.

Other favorite activities included walking on Goose Rocks Beach and gardening. She was an avid gardener and a member of the Seacoast Garden Club. She was also active in the Kennebunkport Historical Society, serving as a board member and as a docent at Nott House for several years. She participated with her husband as a volunteer for the local food pantry and was a communicant at St. Martha’s Catholic Church, with a devotion to Mary.

Mrs. Russell fought her disease with everything she had – a strong faith in God, courage, determination, and for the most part, a smile on her face. She will be terribly missed.

The family appreciates staff at the Monarch Center for their exceptional and loving care and expresses sincere thanks to the staff of Beacon Hospice for their care and compassion during hes final weeks.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Cancer Community Center, 778 Main Street, South Portland, Maine 04106 or www.cancercommunitycenter.org

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, Kennebunk.