Esther L. Russell

Esther Marianne Lund Russell, 92, of Easton, MD, died peacefully Sunday, April 19, 2015, at Bayleigh Chase, formerly known as William Hill Manor. Esther was born in Baltimore, MD, on April 12, 1923, daughter of the late Ragnhild Alnaes Lund, originally of Oslo, Norway, and Torstein Lund, originally of Bergen, Norway. The youngest of eight children, Esther graduated Springfield High School in Springfield, PA, in 1941, and attended the Chester County School of Nursing in West Chester, PA. In June, 1943, she travelled to Brady, TX, and married her high school sweetheart, William D. Russell, Jr. They moved to St. Michaels, MD, in 1948. While raising her children, Esther was involved in the community, and was instrumental in the formation of the first kindergarten in St. Michaels, located at St. Luke's Church, as well as the local chapter of the March of Dimes. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Easton Memorial Hospital. She never lost her interest in nursing, and in 1972, she received a Nursing Home Administrator's License from Georgetown University. She served as Administrator for Dixon House, as well as Caroline County Nursing Home, Glasgow Nursing Home and William Hill Manor. Following the death of her husband in 1985, she retired from William Hill Manor. Thereafter, she began working with those with mental disabilities, serving in various capacities at the Chesapeake Center in Easton until 2002. She continued to serve on a number of committees following her retirement. A woman of many talents and interests, from sewing to art, cryptograms, Sudoku, and baseball, her greatest joy was her family. She was particularly fond of her nickname, "the graminator." Esther is survived by a brother, Trygve W. Lund of Maine; four children and their spouses, Marilyn Seigman (Richard) of Denton, William D. Russell, III (Marilyn), of Easton, Marie Hill (King) of Easton, and Richard W. Russell (Susan) of Easton; six grandchildren, William D. Russell, IV, Robert A. Russell, James P. Russell, Joseph T. Russell, Katherine M. Russell, and Michael A. Hill; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by an infant son in 1950, William Jon Russell; her husband of 42 years in 1985, William D. Russell, Jr.; and six brothers and sisters. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the March of Dimes or a favorite charity in her memory. Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at 2 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Easton. Friends may call one hour prior.

Esther L. Russell

April 12, 1923 - April 19, 2015