Viola Margaretha (Pierson) Russell, 87, of Hartford, loving wife for 57 years of the late Olin W. Russell, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2019 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born in Hartford on December 1, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Oscar Bror Elvir and Anna Margareta (Bengtsson) Pierson. Viola graduated from William Hall High School in West Hartford, but lived most of her life in Hartford. She worked raising money for non-profit organizations for many years. Her family was her greatest joy and she was happiest when she was surrounded by them.
A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Viola will be forever missed by her seven devoted children: her son, Thomas B. Russell and wife Karen of Indialantic, FL; six daughters, Sharon L. Cravo and husband Artur of Vernon, Linda L. LeBlanc and husband Raymond of Enfield, Darlene A. Cummings and husband Robert of Coventry, Cindy S. Henley and husband Mark of Auburndale, FL, Lori L. Thomas and husband John of West Hartford and Tammy M. Russell of Hartford and fiancé Eric Hubbard of Long Island, NY; 12 adored grandchildren: Kyle, Katie, Lisa, Sean, Christina, Angela, Stephanie, Michelle, Michael, Joshua, Brian, and Leah; and 17 cherished great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, R. Sven Pierson of Manchester, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was sadly predeceased by her beloved grandson, Tyrone LeBlanc; her brother, John Pierson and two sisters, Eleanor Lang and Norma Kumitis. Special thanks and healing prayers to her caregiver, Elena Fontanez.
Calling hours will be Thursday (January 10) from 4-6 p.m. concluding with a funeral service at 6 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. Everyone is invited to attend the burial on Friday (January 11) at 10 a.m. at the State Veterans’ Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown. Donations in Viola’s memory may be made to the CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111. To share a memory of Viola with her family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5