Claire G. Russell

Russell, Claire Gaffney, 85 of Edgewater, MD died Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the Mandrin House in Harwood after complications from a fall. Mrs. Russell was born February 17, 1930 in Lynn MA to the late David H. and Ellen G. Gaffney and was the youngest of 5 girls, all of whom preceded her in death. After living in several cities along the east coast, her family settled in Baltimore and she graduated from Eastern High School in 1948. She met and married Hugh Minter in 1949 and they had two children, David and Pamela. The family later moved to Riva MD, where they lived for many years. After her divorce from Hugh, she was married to Lawrence Russell for 36 years until his death in 2010. Claire worked for the State of Maryland and retired with her husband in 1991 to Washington, NC where they did their best to live happily ever after. She was a very energetic and happy person who loved crafting and dancing. She was a longtime supporter of Relay for Life. In addition to her parents and sisters, Claire was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence “Tuss” Russell and her son, David Minter. Mrs. Russell is survived by her daughters, Pamela Brackett (Phil) of Galesville MD and Robin Kirby of Port Orange, FL. She was the Grandmother of Katie Francella and other grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved favorite cat, Luckie. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 22, 2015 from 2-4 & 6-8 at John M Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis MD. A Memorial Service and Celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at Mayo United Methodist Church, 1005 Old Turkey Point Rd. Edgewater, MD 21037. Burial will be privately held at Moreland Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the above name church or Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122