Marilyn J. Russell (Simkins)

November 1, 1929 — May 6, 2021

BENNINGTON
Marilyn Jane Russell, 91, a resident of Pine Circle, Bennington, died Thursday, May 6, 2021 at home surrounded by family. Born in DeKalb, Illinois on November 1, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Lyle E. "Mac" and Faye (Wymer) Simkins. Marilyn was educated in the DeKalb public schools and worked as a lifeguard and a telephone operator. She attended both Northern Illinois University and the Evanston Hospital School of Nursing at Northwestern University - where she graduated with a degree in Registered Nursing. Later, she received her certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) from the School of Anesthesia at St. Luke's Hospital in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. While living at 109 Wendell Avenue Marilyn met Sydney W. "Syd" Russell, Jr., her upstairs neighbor. She temporarily returned to Illinois, but following Syd's pursuit, which included many heartfelt love-letters, they married on November 25, 1967 in DeKalb and returned to Massachusetts to start a family in Lenox. Several years later the family moved to Bennington where Marilyn focused on raising her three sons: Andy, Todd, and Eric. She seldom missed one of her kid's ball games, whether they were at the Little League park or a MAUHS state championship. She doted on her boys " encouraging, supporting, and pushing them. When they were older, she accepted a position to teach a Nurse's Aide class at the vocational center at Mt. Anthony Union High School. She returned to work full time several years following and became the school nurse at Mt. Anthony Junior High School, a position she held until her retirement. A devout member of the Second Congregational Church since 1973, Marilyn helped for many years to lead its Vacation Bible School. She was chairperson several times for the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days flower sale fundraiser, and was a founding, and long-serving, member of the church's Handbell Choir. Marilyn enjoyed playing cards, particularly Bridge, and had a reputation as a strong player. She was sporting and played tennis in her earlier years. She was musical. Besides playing bells she also played piano. And she was artistic. Following a painting class taught by Muriel Bohne, Marilyn painted with oil on canvas several still lifes of flowers, which hang in her home today. She also painted on roof slate and river rocks. Those rocks then resembled sleeping and curled-up housecats. She very much enjoyed the real thing and for many years Marilyn had pet cats of her own. Following her retirement she seldom missed her various morning coffee groups that met at Jensen's, particularly the Retired Teachers. For several years she and Syd would enjoy annual trips to New York City which included Broadway shows " Phantom of the Opera being one of her favorites. Each summer they looked forward to the races at Saratoga, always making the trip together, and often with family or friends. Mostly, Marilyn enjoyed time with her family. She was recently looking forward to celebrating Mother's Day with a dinner at the Country Club. The family would like to thank Marilyn's caregivers, especially Patty Squiers, for the loving care they provided Marilyn and also thank those members of the Second Congregational church family and other friends for their many acts of kindness. Survivors include three sons, Andrew Russell of Montclair, NJ, Todd Russell and his wife Jennifer of Grosvenordale, CT, and Eric Russell and his wife Leigh of Bennington; four grandchildren, Haley, Natalie, Lilly, and Jacob Russell; her step-grandson, Jonathan Santos; her younger sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Robert Mueller of Illinois, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Syd who passed away this past March, Marilyn was predeceased by her older sister, Patricia Urban. Graveside committal services will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at the family lot in Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington. Should friends desire memorial contributions in Marilyn Russell's memory they may be made to the Second Congregational Church through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.

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Interment

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Starts at 3:00 pm (Eastern time)

Park Lawn Cemetery

South Street, Bennington, VT 05201

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