Jennie Russell

Jennie T. Russell, age 87, entered into eternal life on Sunday, July 30, 2017 surrounded by her family. Jennie was born in Cleveland on September 6, 1929 to the late Dominic and Josephine  (nee Martino) Tucci. She graduated from John Adam High School in 1947 and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mathers College where she was Valedictorian. Jennie went on to earn a Masters Degree from Western Reserve College in multi-languages. Jennie met the love of her life Richard, at a wedding reception, and they married on January 4, 1953.

Jennie taught French and Spanish at Wickliffe High School from 1958 until 1984 when her husband was transferred from his job in Cleveland to Simpsonville, South Carolina. Jennie was a devout Catholic and was very active in her church in South Carolina. She also was a very passionate needle pointer, and crocheted.  In addition, she was an avid reader and loved to golf. Jennie also was a huge supporter of the Greenville Orchestra and fan of all the Cleveland sports teams. The Cleveland Indians was her favorite team. Jennie and her husband moved back to Richmond Heights in December, 2014.

Jennie’s family described her as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved the beach and ocean and spent many hours collecting sea shells and sand dollars.

Jennie is survived by her husband of 64 years, Richard R; her son Jeffrey P. (wife Donna); grandchildren, Janet Zhun, Victoria Russell, Richard R. Russell, II, Kathleen J. Russell; great grandchildren Natalie and Charles J. Russell; and a sister Angela R. Tucci; loving aunt to many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Marian Russell.

In addition to her parents, Jennie is preceded in death by her sister Rita Harper (husband Clement).

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Jennie to Alzheimer’s Association of Cleveland 23215 Commerce Park #300 Beachwood, OH 44122 (www.alz.org)

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 7, 2017 at St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church at 10 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Jennie at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) SUNDAY 2-6 PM.