Obituary of Donna Marie Russell

RUSSELL, Donna M. Pictou Donna Marie Russell (née MacDonald), aged 77, passed away peacefully in Glen Haven Manor on Saturday June 17, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born March 1, 1946 in Pictou, Nova Scotia to Donald and Jean (Huelin) MacDonald. After completing secretarial school, she worked for National Sea Products before marrying Anthony ‘Tony’ Russell on March 4, 1967. Together they had two children and experienced military life in several Canadian provinces as well as in Lahr and Baden-Baden, Germany. After devoting time to raising her children, Donna returned to work as an office administrator in the Federal Public Service in Borden, Ontario and Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was an avid curler who also loved to watch her husband, children and grandchildren participate in sports. Donna retired in 2002 to enjoy travelling, gardening, baking, and volunteering with the Food Bank. Some of her happiest times were spent with Tony during their annual trips to sunny destinations as well as watching her grandchildren grow and thrive. Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Tony; son, Chris (Kathleen Grace) Russell; daughter, Heather (John Orritt) Russell; grandchildren, Will, Hugh, Eleanor and Clare; older sister, Jane MacDonald, and younger siblings, Peter MacDonald, Beth Langford and Scot MacDonald. The Russell family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Glen Haven Manor’s Whispering Tides for their kindness and attentive care during the last four years of Donna’s life. There will be a funeral mass to honour Donna at Stella Maris Church in Pictou, Nova Scotia on June 28, 2023 at 1 pm with a reception to follow at the Stella Maris Hall from 2-4 pm. There will be no visitation or interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna’s memory to Nova Scotia Food Banks.