Obituary of Joanne Barbara Russell

It is with heartbreaking sadness that the family of Joanne Barbara Russell, age 69, announce her passing which occurred peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 9, 2018 at Bobby’s Hospice after a courageous one year battle with brain cancer. Born in Saint John, NB on June 28, 1949 she was the daughter of the late Douglas and Isabelle (Colbourne) Dickie. Joanne will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her husband of 44 years, Gregory Lloyd Russell, her daughter Shannon (Nick) Willett, Oakville, ON and son Andrew (Sandra) Russell, Abu Dhabi, UAE. "Grammy" was extremely proud of her three grandsons, Owen and Hudson Willett and Tyler Russell, whom will truly miss her. She will be remembered with love by her siblings, Rheese Dickie, Riverview NB, Suzanne (Bill) Cushing, St. Catherines ON, John (Margot) Dickie, Sarasota FL and Carolyn (Dennis) Donovan, Fort McMurray AB. She will also be missed by her Mother-in-Law Reta Russell, Bridgewater NS and in-laws Brian (Leona) Russell, Lantz NS , Derrick (Nancy) Russell, Oakville ON and Trudy (Eldon) Vickers, Halifax NS, along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends. After graduating from Saint John High School in 1967, Joanne attended UNB Fredericton where she obtained her Bachelor of Nursing degree. Later in her career she completed her Master of Nursing degree from Dalhousie University. She loved nursing education and enjoyed her time working at the Victoria General School of Nursing, Dartmouth General Hospital, Dalhousie University, Saint John School of Nursing and Saint John Public Health. Upon retiring, Joanne and Greg spent many wonderful winters at their retirement home in Sarasota, Florida. Joanne loved entertaining family and friends when they visited, especially spending time at the beach. She also loved to travel and explore many countries around the world. Joanne was the ultimate tour guide, list maker and planner. There was no need for a GPS with her as she studied maps and books in preparation for each trip! A special place of enjoyment with many happy memories for Joanne and Greg were the 40 years spent at their cottage known as "The Farm" in Nova Scotia with special friends, Karen and Bill Wilson, Barbara and Roger Wamboldt and Paulette and Wayne Nauss. Joanne was actively involved in a number of social activities such as University Women, Literary Ladies, Public Health Retirees, Wine Tasting and Bridge Clubs. In addition, her most liked activity was her love of shopping! Joanne left this world knowing she was loved by so many. All of the visits, phone calls, warm thoughts, messages, cards, flowers, meals and loving prayers from family and friends were truly appreciated. Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at Bobby’s Hospice for the wonderful care and support they provided. Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (849-2119) with visitations on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Celebration of Joanne's life and reception will be held at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in memory of Joanne may be made to Bobby's Hospice of Saint John http://www.hospicesj.ca/donate/or the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada http://www.braintumourevents.ca/site/TR?px=1130874&pg=personal&fr_id=1511.