Brunetta "Bernie" Russell

Beloved wife of Walter Russell. Loving mother to Patricia Dawe (Gordon) and John (Marianne). Beloved Nanny to Lesley, David, Catherine, Alannah, and Stephen. Loving Great Grandmother to Charlotte, Rosie, William, Oliver, Evelyn, Liam, Owen (predeceased), Adalyn and Fletcher.

Born in Toronto to the late Giuseppe and Anna-Maria (nee Tarasco), she was the 4th child of 7 children. Dear sister of the late Reverend John Totafurno, the late Mary Cushner, the late Filomena Somerton, the late Elizabeth Russell, Rose Cormier and the late Vincent Totafurno.

After completing High School at Central Tech in Toronto, Bernie took a position at Simpsons in Toronto as a seamstress in the alterations department and worked there until the birth of Patricia in 1958. She enjoyed sewing all of her life and made many fine articles of clothing for all of her family.

She met Walter in 1947 and they were married in 1951 and enjoyed 72 years of marriage together.

Bernie enjoyed many things throughout her life. She loved to sing, her faith and often spoke of her love of roller skating. She loved meeting and talking to people. In her later years, she enjoyed sharing little anecdotes and funny stories with her friends at the Meadows of Aurora. She also enjoyed the hymn sings there as well. She learned to drive in her 50’s which was something she was very proud of.

Bernie enjoyed travelling. Along with her family, she made trips to many destinations including California, Florida and the Maritimes. Bernie and Walter took trips to Europe, Alberta and British Columbia, during their retirement. Bernie also took a trip to Matera, Italy (the birthplace of her parents) in her 80’s with Patricia and her granddaughter Lesley.

Bernie most of all enjoyed being Nanny to her Grandchildren. She loved playing with them when they were little, watching them grow up and start families of their own.

Visitation for Bernie will be held Friday, April 19, 2024 from 10:00 am-11:00 am at Northridge Community Church of The Salvation Army, 15338 Leslie Street in Aurora. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am. Committal Prayers will be held Friday, April 19, 2024 at 2:30 pm Sanctuary Park Cemetery, 1570 Royal York Road, Etobicoke, ON.

Service will be livestreamed. Please use this link to connect: https://youtube.com/live/z61ewNnwZiI?feature=share

Donations in Bernie's memory may be considered to the Canadian Cancer Society.