Jean Russell née Watts

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Jean Russell at the age of 90 years. She was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and also lived in Dollard des Ormeaux, Lachute and Baie D’Urfe. Jean was predeceased by her partner, Rev. Audrey Morrison and her former husband John Russell. She will be dearly missed by her son Philip Vircoe and daughter-in-law Ursula Jonasson, grandchildren Mark and wife Kim, Colin, Liam and great grandchildren Sam, Ben, Winter and Autumn of Calgary, Alberta.

Jean was also predeceased by her sister Brenda Sherwin and her husband Rev. Lawrence Sherwin and survived by nieces Bronwen Orner and husband Brian of New York, Allison Sherwin of Vermont, and nephew Sean Sherwin of Vermont, and great nieces and nephews Hunter, Sean and Skye.

In her professional career, she was a school teacher and principal at nine different schools with the Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal. She was honoured to have been the President of the Montreal Association of School Administrators and to have been given Honourary Life membership from the Quebec Association of School Administrators.

In her younger years, she enjoyed years of fun activities at Girl Guide camp at Morin Heights and was a councillor and program director at Camp Memphremagog.

While living in Lachute, QC Jean attended St. Simeon’s Church and served as People’s Warden and Rector’s Warden. She also volunteered her time by visiting with patients at the Lachute Residence and served on its Board of Directors, and the Pavillion at the local hospital.

Jean was a modest, witty and accomplished person. She cherished her time socializing with her friends. She was a life-long learner and a voracious reader. During her retirement, she continued her interests in gardening, travelling, cycling, golf, skiing and tennis…and closely followed her beloved Montreal Canadiens Hockey team, and Montreal Alouettes Football Club.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 13 at 2 p.m. at Saint John the Baptist Anglican Church, 233 Sainte-Claire Avenue, Pointe Claire QC. The family would be honoured by your presence.

Charitable Donations may be sent to Jean’s favorite charity, Doctors Without Borders, or to any preferred charity of your choice.