Carolyn Melvina Russell Obituary
Peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on April 2, 2024, at Bluewater Health, Carolyn passed away at the age of 85. Beloved wife of Ross Russell. Loving mother of Scott Carroll (Mark), Todd Carroll (Linda), Jody Kukura (Dave), Jeff Russell (Shannon), Dan Russell (Annette), Jim Russell (Shelly), and the late Paul Russell. Cherished grandmother of Shaun Carroll, Lindsay Rheubottom (Ben), Brent Butler, Cassi Butler, Chelsea Kukura (Jay), Dylan Kukura, Tony Russell (MacKenzie), Danielle Minzen (Ryan), Christine Park (Dave), Jamie Patterson (Kevin), Cody Davis, and Christine Miceli (Curtis). Treasured great-grandmother of ten and great-great-grandmother of one. Survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her mother Madeline Houston, father Ossie Cameron, brother Ken Cameron, and son Paul Russell. Carolyn was born and educated in Toronto, Ontario. She moved to Sarnia in 1975 where she assumed responsibility as manager of the Lambton Mall for 25 Years. Carolyn with her passion to always help, became the director of the District Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, the Sarnia General Hospital, Goodwill Industries, Junior Achievement, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Executive Business Women’s Network. Carolyn met Ross, the love of her life, 43 years ago and built a beautiful partnership, blending their 7 children together as one family. Carolyn for many years visited schools and legions on Remembrance Day to talk and educate about remembering the soldiers. Carolyn lost her father in the Second World War and was able to visit his grave in Holland with Ross and her children, which gave her great peace knowing the Dutch people kept his memory alive and always remembering his sacrifice. Carolyn loved to cook, entertain and always made a house a loving home. Her love for sewing led her to create many original fascinators for women all over Sarnia for weddings and many events. Carolyn was part of a Birthday Club where she met many life long friends. Carolyn was a very vibrant, classy woman who always made anyone around her feel accepted, and always part of her family. Carolyn was the best wife, mother and grandmother. Carolyn was always the life of any party. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. A livestream of Carolyn’s service will be available on her memorial page on the Smith Funeral Home website at service time. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Cystic Fibrosis Canada (cheques only at the funeral home please).