Obituary

Marie Russell, 80, died Wednesday Feb. 6, 2013 in Bellingham, WA due to complications of Alzheimers disease.
Marie Elizabeth Gibbs was born Oct. 19, 1932 in Stowe, VT to Kenneth and Martha (Thurston) Gibbs. She graduated from Waterbury High School in 1950. Marie married Vern Ray Russell in Virginia in 1951. The lived in Waterbury then moved to Custer, WA in 1959. They later divorced and she and her youngest six children moved back to Waterbury, VT. In 1973 she married Lawrence Bucky Charland. They later divorced. While in Vermont, Marie worked at the National Life Insurance Company. In 1980 she moved to Seattle, WA, where she was employed by Wards Cove Packing Company for many years. Marie eventually retired to Custer in 1993 and in 1998 developed Alzheimers and began living in assisted care facilities.
Marie loved dancing several times a week at the local senior center. She collected music boxes and loved her dogs Samantha and Peaches. When she was in good health Marie enjoyed taking her older grandchildren on trips.
Marie is survived by a brother, Paul (Sue) Gibbs of Orange City, FL; a sister, Joan Duffy of Waterbury Center, VT; seven sons, Steve Russell and Chris Russell of Ferndale, WA., Lloyd Russell of Custer, WA., Floyd (Dawn) Russell, Mark Russell and Tim Russell of Waterbury Center, and Valor (Lorie) Russell of Grangeville, ID.; one daughter, Teresa Russell of Ferndale, WA; one step-son, Larry (Lisa) Charland of Fairfax, VT; 20 grandchildren (Kim, Tanya, Jola, Zeb, Maegan, Cassie, Matt, Elliot, Lucas, Serena, Jonathon, Danielle, Abby, Elizabeth, Avery, Hailey, Nathan, Amanda, Shane, and Brianna) and 21 great-grandchildren. A special thank you to Amanda for all her help, care, and love she has given to her Grandmother.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Warner; ex-husbands Vern Russell and Lawrence Charland; and a sister, Lorraine Sarabia

Farewell Tribute Information

The family will host a memorial service this summer during a family reunion in Ferndale, WA. Donations Information

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Ferndale Senior Center, 1999 Cherry St, Ferndale, WA 98248; Whatcom Humane Society, 1661 Baker Creek Place, Bellingham, WA 98226; or a charity of choice.