Elaine was a lifelong educator, dedicated mother, grandmother and the loving wife of John M. Russell for 21 years, until his death in 1977. She was also preceded in death by two of her three brothers; Wayne and Darwin, R. (Jim) Feese. She is survived by her daughter Cynthia Hyland, and her husband Raymond, of Warminster. Elaine is also survived by her three grandsons; Patrick, Daniel and Sean Hyland as well as her remaining brother, Harrison Charles Feese and his wife Marlene of Timonium, MD.
Born in Shamokin, PA in 1933, Elaine was the only daughter of the late Darwin and Mildred (Emerich) Feese. Elaine graduated from Shamokin High School and went on to earn a degree in Education from West Chester University. During that time she met and fell in love with her husband, John M. Russell of Sunbury PA. They moved to Willow Grove, PA in the late 1950’s. At that time Elaine began her career as an educator with the Abington School District. During her 33 years with the district, she earned her Master’s Degree and taught grades 3, 4, and 5 as well as acting as Curriculum Specialist for a number of years at the Roslyn, Ardsley and Overlook elementary buildings.
Elaine loved to travel. She had a fondness for the warmer climates; New Mexico, California, Florida and Hawaii were some of her preferred destinations, however she also had the opportunity to travel to China in the mid-1980’s. She relished learning about other countries and cultures. After retirement she became a seasonal resident of Cape May, NJ, and could be found enjoying a good book on the beach, having a conversation with neighbors, or dabbling in painting and crafts.
By far her most cherished time was spent with her three adoring grandsons. Elaine was an integral part of each of their lives and they will miss her unconditional love and support. They loved their “Grammy”.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service for Elaine on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the Wm. Rowen Grant Funeral Home, 659 Street Rd, Southampton, PA 18966. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 am, followed by memorial service at 10:30.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
