CONNIE RUSSELL

1908 - 2003

Elizabeth “Connie” “Abby” Russell, beloved wife of the late Demar Russell, passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2003 at the age of 94 years.
Connie was born July 13, 1908 on the farm at Dayton, Indiana to Edward and Esther Conlon who were of Irish descent. Connie was very proud of her Irish heritage. She immigrated to Canada in 1910 with her parents and older brother Kenneth, settling in the Warner area. Her sister Etta was born in 1911.
Connie attended Normal School in Calgary and spent over 30 years in the classroom. She retired in 1973 but subbed for another ten years. She married Demar in 1941 and they farmed in the Fincastle area until 1969 when they moved to Taber. Farm life gave her a great love for the land, trees, grass and flowers.
She travelled around the world extensively and enjoyed many interesting experiences. Her favorite travel destinations being Hawaii and Las Vegas.
Through the years Connie was an avid fisherwoman, artist and community volunteer, holding a life membership of Knox United Church. She loved playing piano and writing stories, and received many awards for these accomplishments. Connie was also an associate member of the Taber Royal Canadian Legion.
Connie will be forever missed by her children Sandra Wesley (Francis Hinds) of Lethbridge and Randy (Gail) Russell of Medicine Hat; three grandchildren Kimberly (Jason) Koskela and their daughter Jordyn of Redcliff, Ryan (Mary) and Darcy of Medicine Hat; a nephew Clare (June) Ellingson of Las Vegas; four nieces Linda Lee (Grant) Finnen, La Ree (Allen) Snell and Mary Esther (Mac) Stevenson all of Lethbridge and Jean (Jim) Galts of Calgary. She was predeceased by her husband Demar, a son at birth and a grandson Russell Todd Wesley.
The Funeral Service was held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Monday, May 12, 2003 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Jim Lochhead officiating. Interment followed in the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Connie’s name may be made to the charity of one’s choice.