Elayne L. Russell

Elayne Lenore Russell, age 104, passed away peacefully at 1:30 P.M. in the afternoon on May 27th, in her home at Regency Oaks in Clearwater, Florida. Elayne was born on March 21, 1921, in New York, New York, to Harry and Rose Rosenwasser. She was active in her childhood, hiking and riding bicycles, even competing in events at summer camp. Elayne, like other NYC teenagers, strolled down Broadway dressed in her “Sunday best”, and attended dances with peers. She met Porter “Bud” Russell in the late 1930’s and married in 1941. Throughout her life, Elayne was passionate in all she did. This included providing housing for those in need, being involved in civic activities and encouraging others to do so as well, in addition to staying active as a lifelong learner.

One of her first jobs was with Sheltering Arms Homes, one of New York City’s oldest nonprofits serving children and families. After taking time off to have her three sons, Barry, Donald, and Richard, she became a bookkeeper for the Dell Corporation who provided tax advantaged housing for seniors. Over the course of her 20+ year career at Dell, she became the property manager for all 13 of their projects and a partner in the business.

Having raised their family in the suburbs of Chicago, New York, and New Jersey, Elayne moved with Bud to Boynton Beach, FL, upon her retirement in 1986. They had a wonderful time in South Florida until Bud’s passing in December of 2000. Elayne continued to live a full and meaningful life even after moving to “senior living” at Regency Oaks in Clearwater, Florida in 2014. She spent her life devoted to others and was honored many times for her work, including having a room named after her in a senior living facility by the Beverly J. Searles Foundation. She volunteered her time at “In the Pines” providing housing and services for migrant workers and their families in the farm fields of Florida. She spent 75 years serving with the League of Women Voters in multiple states, and held the roles of President and Board Member for many years. She proudly recalled that she never missed a County Commission Meeting in South Florida, as it was important to stay informed and aware of what was going on in her community. She was a guardian ad litem in the foster care system, and read books to young children at the YMCA. Throughout her many years of service, Elayne lived out the goal of being a lifelong learner, taking classes at local universities and attending lectures regularly. Elayne has always been an avid reader and spent her life trying to learn and keep up with current events as well as being entertained by literature. At 90 years old, she added theatrical performances to her repertoire at Regency Oaks, while still volunteering her time as an ambassador, welcoming new residents to the facility. Elayne loved to play games such as Rummikub, Bridge, and Pinochle which she continued until the day before her passing. She was a very social person and for many years ate dinner with a different group of friends each night of the week.

Elayne was a strong, stabilizing, loving force for her family, both immediate and extended. She always listened, always supported, and gave wonderful advice. She often offered her home and time to family that found their way to her doorstep when they were going through significant life events. Her influence will be everlasting. She had many treasured relationships, even considered a “second mother” to some. You never had to wonder where you stood with Elayne as she was direct, but always with respect and care. Elayne regularly shared her advice for living a long and fruitful life. She modeled this in her life by staying physically active (as she would walk daily, and fast), being engaged socially and emotionally with others, and continuing to learn and expand one’s horizons each day of her life, giving to others and being present for them. At 104, and having suffered a heart attack a little more than three weeks prior to her passing, she knew that the end was near. She continued to enjoy the times that she had visiting with friends and family, even in her final days. What she was most proud of, was how genuinely close her family is, and her greatest wish is that we continue to love one another and stay close to each other through the example she has shown us. She would whole heartedly support the motto, “love lives on.”

Elayne (Mom, Nana) is survived by her children, Barry (Claudia), Donald (BJ), and Richard (Anna); her grandchildren, Adam (Kathleen), Katie (Jason), Allison, Devon, Emily (Alison), Casey, and Jesse (Becca); and her great grandchildren, Beth, Sidney, Gabby, JD, Peyton, Christopher, Lily, Ryan, Kendall, Audriana, Jude, Rory, and Nolan; and dear nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her dear husband, Porter “Bud” Russell, her sister, Beatrice “Bebe” Wolf (Arthur), and her parents, Harry and Rose Rosenwasser, along with many other family members.

Visitation will begin at 1:15 P.M. on June 5, at Regency Oaks Town Hall, 2751 Regency Oaks Blvd, Clearwater, Florida, 33759. The celebration of life will begin at 2 P.M. at Regency Oaks Town Hall as well. She will be interred at the Boca Raton Mausoleum, 451 SW Fourth Ave, Boca Raton, FL, 33432 on June 6, at 1:30 P.M. in Boca Raton, Florida. All are welcome. Any flowers may be delivered to Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2852 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL 33759; or, donations may be made in Elayne Russell's honor to Covenant House (scroll for direct link).

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