Obituary of Wilhelmina O. Russell

 

 

Watertown- Wilhelmina O. Russell, 93, formerly of State Route 126, Town of Croghan, died Saturday afternoon, April 28, 2018 at Samaritan Summit Village, where she had been a resident since March, 2014.

 

Wilhelmina was born on May 17, 1924 at the family homestead in Croghan, the daughter of the late Leland G. and Bertha (Zecher) Walsemann.  She graduated from Carthage High School in 1942, and later worked as a draftsman for Climax Manufacturing in Carthage.

 

She married Stephen K. Russell in August, 1946 and accompanied him to Potsdam, NY, where he obtained a degree in civil engineering from Clarkson University.  Stephen was then employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for most of his adult life, spending most of his career in Washington, D.C.  He died in 1986.

 

Wilhelmina spent most of her married years as a homemaker and volunteer for numerous organizations in Falls Church, VA.  She and Stephen were active members of Bruen Chapel United Methodist Church in Fairfax, VA.  Prior to Stephen’s death she worked for several years as a salesperson for ServiceMaster of Northern Virginia.

 

In 1990 she moved back to her childhood home in the Town of Croghan, NY, where she relished visits by her friends and large family.  She was an active member of Beaver Valley United Methodist Church, Naumburg, NY, and volunteered 17 years at Lewis County Hospice.  She enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, gardening, sharing apples from her small orchard, and making many apple pies.

 

She was predeceased by her mother and father and her four brothers: Elwin W. Walsemann, Raymond O. Walsemann, Donald L. Walsemann, and Roland Walsemann, who died in infancy.  She was also predeceased by her son, William K. Russell, and her daughter-in-law, Marcia P. (Thaler) Russell.

 

She is survived by her son, Leland K. Russell of Evans Mills, two daughters and their husbands, Stephanie Russell Brown (William C.) of Farmington, CT, Rebecca M. Grimaldi (Stephen) of Mocksville, NC, her daughter-in-law, Julie A. Russell of Marcellus, NY, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

 

Calling hours will be held at Lundy Funeral Home, 500 State Street, Carthage, NY, on Thursday, May 3, 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 4, at 9:30 am at Beaver Valley United Methodist Church, 5379 Naumburg Lane, Castorland, NY, 13620.  Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery, Zecher Road, Carthage, NY 13619.

 

In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Lewis County Hospice, 7785 N. State St, Lowville, NY 13367.  Condolences can be made online at www.lundyfuneralhome.com.

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