Marion Bangs Russell

Marion Bangs Russell died peacefully on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. She was 99. She was born in New York City on April 9, 1922 to the late Frederick and Lillian Bangs. She was raised in Tenafly, NJ and was a graduate of Tenafly High School. Marion attended Elmira College and decided to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. She attended Columbia University and worked as an OT for the Veterans Administration in Basking Ridge, NJ. Marion met her beloved husband Archie Russell at Riverside Church in New York City while both were attending graduate school. The couple were married on May 27, 1950. They raised their family first in Chatham, NJ and then for many years in Gillette, NJ. They were immensely devoted and proud parents. She was an active member of Meyersville Presbyterian Church and a volunteer with many community organizations. Through her faith she committed herself to making the world a better place. Marion and Archie retired to Toano, VA in 1994 where they enjoyed being close to family and made many new friends among neighbors and church members of Mount Vernon Methodist Church. Following Archie’s passing, Marion moved to Williamsburg Landing in 2007. She resided there for the remainder of her life. Throughout her life Marion loved taking walks, basking in the sunshine, traveling, meeting people and learning new things. Marion had a generous and kind spirit, a keen and lively sense of humor, and always a twinkle in her eye. She had an innate ability to see the positive in any situation. Marion is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Russell Ogburn of Williamsburg, VA; son, William Russell (Diane Collar) of Eustis, FL; and daughter Barbara Russell Valenti (Craig Valenti) of Centerville, MA; 7 cherished grandchildren Lilly Elizabeth, Becky, Zack, Tony, Caity, Sarah, Ben and step-grandson Andrew; 6 beloved great grandchildren, Kameren, Cayden, Madilyn, Samantha, Annabelle and Clementine; lifelong friends, Margaret Arnold and Marcie Teele. Memorial donations in Marion’s name can be made to FISH, Inc. 312 Waller Mill Rd #800 Williamsburg, VA 23185 (www.williamsburgfish.weebly.com)