Obituary of June Russell

RUSSELL: June (nee Lansue) -

A resident of Chatham, June Marie Russell passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, June 12, 2020, three days shy of her 74th birthday. 

Born June 15, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Maria (nee Sponsalee) Lansue. 

June will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Dwayne Richard Russell and brothers-in law Brad (Rita) and Vaughn. 

Dearest mother of Lori Sax (Mark), Anne Jacques, Chris Russell (Stephanie) and Melissa Russell (John). 

Remembered always by her grandchildren Justin (Brittni), Maddisen; Brayden, Abby; Aislyn, Tae; Dillon and Brody. Gigi to Jackson. 

Sister of Annie Benoit, the late Alfred Lansue (Alice) and the late George Lansue (late Shirley). 

She will be missed by many nieces and nephews. June graduated as an Ontario Scholar from the Pines in Chatham. She went on to study nursing at St Joseph's hospital in London where she made many lifelong friends who she continued to have adventures with for many years. She spent many years nursing at the Public General Hospital in Chatham and finished her career in pastoral care at St Joseph's Hospital,  an area of care that she was particularly passionate about.    

It is impossible to encompass everything June was to all of the people she loved. Some of the things her family and friends will remember fondly include her devotion to nursing, winning at bridge, gardening and visiting and travelling with lifetime family friends. She was also a great baker and puzzler and she never could say no to a great deal  at Sears.  June loved sharing champagne cocktails and Black Tower wine under the sun at a family cottage trip. We will always remember her last cottage vacation where even in a wheelchair she was smiling out at the lake. June was a grandmother for most of her adult life. One of the activities she most loved was decorating at Christmas. She took joy in watching the grandchildren decorate their own special Christmas tree and then let Stephanie decorate the rest of the house. Although her battle with ALS was nothing but fierce, she peacefully slipped away at home surrounded by her children and grandchildren. The Russell family does not have the words to express how grateful we are to everyone that has supported us through this difficult time. Whether through email, text, phone calls, visits, and flowers, we are blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people. 

Special thanks to Sharon Coleman of ALS Society of Essex County, all of the PSW staff especially Megan and Sabrina, PCCT team Jon Ann and Lisa, Proresp and Dr Shoesmith and the ALS team in London. Another thank you to all of the thoughts and prayers from the parishioners of St Ursula's Parish. 

In light of current events, cremation has taken place with a Private Family Interment to take place in Maple Leaf Cemetery. 

A Celebration of June & Dwayne's life is to take place on Saturday, October 3, 2020 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Links of Kent Golf Course, 120 Indian Creek Road West, Chatham. 

Online condolences may be left for the family and donations may be made in memory of June to the ALS Society of Essex County (www.alswindsor.ca) or through the Funeral Home website (www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com).