In Loving Memory of Marilyn M. Russell

1940 – 2025

Marilyn May (Ellis) Russell, of Miramichi, New Brunswick, passed away peacefully at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home on June 21, 2025, at the age of 84.

Born in Bathurst, New Brunswick, on September 26, 1940, she was the eldest of six children born to Maynard and Edith (O'Connor) Ellis.  She grew up in Canobie, New Brunswick, on the family farm, graduated from Bathurst High School in 1958, and obtained her teacher’s license the following year.

Marilyn was a passionate and dedicated educator who genuinely loved teaching.  Though she taught at many grade levels in her earlier years, she spent much of her career teaching high school English.  She also served as school librarian in her final couple of years before retiring from Miramichi Valley High School.

Her retirement in 1992 afforded her the fulfilling luxury of spending more time with family and friends and embracing new interests.   She served on the board of the town library.  She learned to tole paint with her vibrant group of friends.  She continued playing bridge in multiple card clubs.

Always devoted to family, she happily spent even more time with her husband, daughter, son-in-law, and her grandchild, on whom she doted.  Her love, strength, wit, intelligence, and hugs will be sorely missed.

Marilyn is survived by her only child, daughter, Suzanne Russell (Edward “Ted” Holden) of Antigonish, Nova Scotia; grandson, Hollis Holden (Blossom) of Halifax, Nova Scotia; sisters, Glenna (Leonard) Russell of Kensington, Prince Edward Island, Sharon (Bob) Emmerson of Black Creek, British Columbia, Shirley (Adam) Rok of Barry’s Bay, Ontario, and Rilla (Danny) Scully of Rexton, New Brunswick; brother, Rod (Lisa) Ellis of Black Creek, British Columbia; as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

She was predeceased by her dear husband, Glenn (2021), and her parents.

Visitation was held at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King St., Miramichi, New Brunswick, on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  A funeral service followed at 4:00 p.m., from Adams Funeral Home Chapel with The Reverend Charlene Maguire MacKnight as Officiant.  The Memory Candle was lit by son-in-law, Ted Holden. Sharing of Remembrances was by daughter, Suzanne Russell.  A special reading was read by grandson, Hollis Holden. The musical selections were recorded and included entrance song "You Raise Me Up" (instrumental), "In the Garden" by Anne Murray, with the recessional being an instrumental version of "In the Garden".  Interment was in Black River Community Cemetery, Black River Bridge, New Brunswick. 

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Miramichi Food Bank or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, New Brunswick, telephone (506) 773-3492.  Additionally, messages of condolence may be shared online at www.adamsfh.ca

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