So sorry for your loss. It's difficult to lose a sibling.
I recall some times at Grandma Russells house with you all.
God bless,

Tracy

Dear Dave, Dan and Christine, 
Dave and I are really sorry to learn of Carole's passing. She was so vibrant and spending time with her was NEVER boring!   When the kids were small and we got together, her dedication to helping you both learn and grow was inspirational.  We send you our heartfelt sympathy. Much love, Karen Henry and Dave Cole

Dear Dave, Dan, Christine, and the whole Russell clan: My heart breaks over the loss of your wife, mother, daughter, and sister to all.  I as well first met Carole in 1980 as a freshman at Michigan State University.  She was the coolest big sister that anyone could ask for and accepted all her little sister's friends unconditionally and with open arms.  If this was what a Spartan graduate was then I was darn glad to join the club.  In my mind, I picture Carole always smiling, laughing and always in a good mood.  Boy did we have a good time at Debby and Barry's wedding!  I'm glad for these memories and glad to be Debby's honorary sister and friend to all Russells.  I know Carole is in a better place cultivating a garden of happiness, helping to guide those she loves (and most likely everyone) to live a fruitful life and to love deeply.  Carole made a lasting impression on me and I'd like to thank all family members for sharing her with me.  Sparty on, Carole, Sparty on!

I had the pleasure of meeting Carole, during my freshman year at MSU, when Debby took me to her cool, big sister's home. I was immediately struck by her infectious, playful smile and gentle calm. Throughout the following years,  I would find myself impressed and in awe of her graceful strength and the brave way in which she faced many difficulties life had thrown on her path. I count myself truly Blessed to have known this beautiful, kind, insightful woman. 
Sending much love to the Russell - Payson family. xxx

Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!  Henry Scott Holland, Death Is Nothing at All

Dear Dave, Dan, and Chris, sending so much love and support from the other coast. I will always be touched by Aunt Carol's warmth, joy, ease, and laughter. I wish I could be there to hug you all and am thinking of you in this difficult time. We are here for support always.

Dear Russell and Payson Families,

Your beautiful Carole lived her life's journey with a boundless and contagious joy, enthusiasm and laughter. Her smile and her serenity will remain the lasting memory of our minds and hearts.
Every single one of her appointed days was lived with a message of unconditional love.  She understood that love was unceasing and eternal.
Perhaps her final lesson to us will be our most enduring gift - her capacity to accept suffering beyond measure with strength, courage and finally, surrender.
We will honor her memory with love and gratitude always.

With Love   The Dooley Family

Dear Dave Dan and Christine - Carole will continue to shine and live on in all of us when we keep her alive in our hearts.

Dear Dave and family.  Over the years I didn't see Carole and yourself that often. I didn't realize how much I missed of her wonderful life. 
As I read the obituary of Carole, I was amazed of her accomplishments, and
 how much she loved the children that were in her care. She is still a special person and I am sure that God has put her in care of the little children in heaven.   My prayers are with you, your family, my sister Dorothy and Ron and Carole's sisters and brothers.        LOVE  Uncle Fran and Virginia

As Carole's "little sister," I was blessed to be among the first children (possibly THE first child) to benefit from her love, care, and genuine fascination with young people. She epitomized everything "cool" to me growing up -- a room painted purple, bell bottoms and halter tops, the album "Jesus Christ Superstar." She always looked out for me, teaching me to ride my bike, letting me listen to her Monkees records, and turning me on to great movies like "Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid" and "Harold and Maude." Her door was always open to me, literally, as she invited me twice into her home and let me live with her temporarily during and after college. She encouraged me in all my creative and professional pursuits -- and had an amazing ability to make me feel interesting. As a mother she was passionate about respecting her children's uniqueness and individuality, allowing them to grow into the brilliant, interesting, and creative young adults they now are. She was a committed wife and partner who demonstrated unfathomable bravery and strength despite many health challenges she and Dave faced through the years and taught us all what true love, grace, and dignity really are. And I am confident she left an indelible mark on the families and children she worked with throughout her career. I'm sure there are countless young people out there today who claim her as their favorite teacher. Our hearts are broken, but we loved her so much and were so lucky to have been part of her life. If sorrow and joy truly spring from the same well, I am comforted by the deep heartache I feel now -- knowing it is the mirror of the love and laughter we shared throughout the years. Much love to all the family.

Dear Russell-Payson family, we in Kalamazoo extend our heartfelt sympathy to you during this difficult time. We mourn the loss of our dear cousin Carole. She has been an example of courage and grace for us all. Sweetness personified. Love, Beth Bubin Lindsay and family.

Dearest Dave, Christine, Dan, Sophie and all who  loved and knew her. Carol is our very special angel. Her spirit, her love, her kindness, her warmth, will never be forgotten.  She was a niece who tore the corners of our hearts. We will never forget her or see a child playing and not think of her. All the children in heaven are gathered around her now. Bless her and all of her family as we all deal with her leaving.

Dear Dave, Chris and Dan,
I was so sad to learn of Carole's death today. I send you love and warm wishes at this difficult time. I hope it provides a bit of solace to know that your KUUC friends are holding you in our hearts.

Dear Dave and family,   Tim and I are so very sorry for your loss.  Carole was a brave and strong woman who lived gracefully and with courage with her illness.  She was a valuable part of the MAPS Cancer Support group and is missed by all of us who meet there.    Talu and Tim Robertson

OBITUARY

Carole L. Russell

July 16, 1955 – October 31, 2015

DiLuzio Foley And Fletcher Funeral Homes

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