Obituary of Mary Frances Russell

After a long battle with Alzheimer's, Mary passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of June 13, 2022. Mary lived her life abundantly and with passion. She was passionate about her faith, family, friends and the beauty she loved to create in her gardens. She was always a lady, but loved to have a good time and if you were fortunate to be her friend or relative you know she enjoyed "laughing and scratching" with you. There was always a twinkle in her eye and a bit of playful sarcasm she loved to share. These attributes spilled over in the beauty she designed within her garden walls, paths and vinyets. As a master gardener she created her garden to charm, soothe and delight the eye, mind and spirit. Gardening gave her pleasure and within that pleasure she didn't forget to be humble. She could be found early mornings praying, reading and meditating daily. On Sundays after church, she began her week with a stroll through what she lovingly called, "Russell park". It was an honor to share the artistry she created when her garden was featured on the Mint Museum Home and Garden Tour and she considered herself lucky to have so many friends who volunteered their time to be docents for the tour. Mary grew up in Grand Rapids, MI and later moved to OH, NJ, and then settled in Charlotte, NC 40 years ago. Her first objective upon each move was to find the library. She was an avid reader and bestowed that passion of literature on to her children. Mary had many artistic talents such as cooking, knitting, quilting and sewing. Those talents were enjoyed by many but especially by her family and friends. Through the years she was active as a member of the Queens Guild at St Mary's hospital (MI), Secretary of Guild at Immaculate Heart of Mary (MI), St Rose alter committee (OH), St Virgil alter committee (NJ), St Patrick Cathedral family life center and campus beatification project (NC) and Medearis book club. She was a graduate of Catholic Central High School, Grand Rapids, MI and a certified dental assistant through the University of Michigan at Dearborn. Mary is survived by her husband (just shy of their 65th wedding anniversary), Ron Russell and their 5 children: Brian (Niki) Saratoga Springs, NY; Mark (Sharon) Louisburg, KS; Tim (YonMi) Fairfax, VA; Jennifer Horsey (Andy) Charlotte, NC; Matt (Sheri) Huntersville, NC; 11 Grandchildren: Stephanie (Brandon), Matthew, Kate (Thomas), John (Liz), Michael (Sarah), Matt, Molly, Meghan Horsey, Mac Horsey, Ben and Kelly; 5 great grandchildren: Nolan, Brooks, Ella, Anna and Noah. She has numerous nieces and nephews, sister-in-law, Mert McGovern and brother-in-law, Richie Russell. She was predeceased by her parents Gerald C McGovern and Catherine A Barry McGovern as well as her brothers Gerry and Bernie (Kitty) and sister Katie (Frank) Gerke. A debt of gratitude goes out to the many individuals who helped care for her but especially to her hospice team of Ashley, Karen and Stephanie as well as her caregiver Olympia. A Rosary will be held at 10:30AM with a Funeral Mass to be held at 11:00AM Saturday, June 25, at The Cathedral of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1621 Dilworth Rd E, Charlotte, NC 28203. A reception will be held immediately following the Mass in the Family Center. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Mary's memory to: Wing Haven, 260 Ridgewood Ave Charlotte, NC 28209 or Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Ave Charlotte, NC 28226 In her memory plant happiness and live life to its fullest potential. Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the Tribute Wall provided.