Marsha Gail Russell

Marsha was born in Star City, Arkansas on September 20, 1946. She lived there for only a few short years before her parents moved to Hawthorne, California where they remained. Marsha’s parents, Frank and Lorraine Russell had two children. Marsha’s older brother Franz was 2 years older and unfortunately died before her. She talked about him often and missed him daily. Both her parents pre-deceased her as well. She was caregiver for her mother for several years and also spoke often of her mother and how much she missed her. Marsha had one son, Franz, named after her brother whom she loved dearly. She sometimes said she had a small family. Including her son, her sister-in-law Rosalie, nephew Michael, niece Lindsey, husband Rene and their daughter Mila, {who was the love of her life} and Rosalie’s daughter Susan, but those were just the California relatives. Many others of her extended family lived in Arkansas. She never forgot anyone and talked to cousins and second cousins regularly. Her cousins would get so excited when she and her family came to visit so they could learn about the new fashion trends. Her friendships lasted! Some friends from when she was five years old. She did her best to keep up with everyone and had a special bond with each one. Marsha was absolutely hilarious. She could put on her Arkansas accent and have her friends in stitches.

Marsha graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1964. Later on, she continued her education and earned her Masters Degree. Early on she worked for the City of Redondo Beach where she lived but most of her work life was in the aerospace industry. From every place, she gathered and nurtured lifelong friends. She also did hospice work. Marsha was sick for many years. It did impact her life and what she was able to do but she did not like to dwell on any of that so we won’t dwell on it here. She will be missed terribly and there will be a void that no one else can fill for many of us. But, the good news is that Marsha truly believed that she would be reunited with her parents, her brother and others she loved. She had deep strong beliefs that comforted her in her illness.

With broken hearts we say goodbye to her.